Roquetas 422

ISSUE 422

roquetas & almerimar

5 -11 FEB

SolTimes

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Chocolate

Bar Lovento International Bar under new management.

Speciality cakes.

Tapas.

Bei uns gibt es täglich kaffee und kuchen.

Roquetas de Mar Urbanisation opposite the Protur Hotel

crumb puddings page 29

Indian Spicy Curry House Specialities

Chicken & Beef Curries Tapas served all day Chef from Punjab (India) working in Almerimar for over 10 years is now the new owner. everybody welcome Open every day: 12 noon - late

Calle Varadero, Almerimar.

Tel 950 033 244 Mob. 632 574 591

car boot sale

flea market

Almerimar PORT opposite Leo’s bar Every 2nd Sunday of the month

9 th FEBRuary

Open 10am - 3pm Information 660 32 12 30

Continental & Indian Foods & Spices selection of electrical Goods OPENING HOURS: Mon - fri 10am - 6pm sat & sun 10am - 7pm

Tel: 950 609 419

calle JABEQUE, 42, ALMERIMAR

Arkrites British Food Store

portobello

rastro Arts and Antiques

JAKS Wide Range of UK,

rack of Lamb available

Menu del dia 9.00€ served friday - wednesday

Enjoy Pierre’s French Cuisine Kitchen open: 12.30 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.00.

Closed Thursdays Plaza Los Jazmines 10, 04740 Roquetas de Mar Opposite Playa Capricho in the car park

Tel: 950 334 439 Email: lavita@roquetas-de-mar.es

Groceries & frozen foods including legs of New Zealand lamb, gammon joints, lambs liver.

Large Selection of Greeting Cards

double knitting wool now in stock Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 5pm

Sat: 10am - 2pm

TEL: 950 334 081

out of hours please call 950 334 544

In the Urb of Roquetas de Mar, just off Avda de Mediterraneo in the square near La Gamba Toscana & Theos

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

A hotel in Roquetas de Mar has reduced its CO2 emissions by over 3,500 tonnes

Hotel Playadulce, on the Paseo del Palmeral, has joined the Comisión de Evaluación del Plan PIMA SOL, a plan to reduce carbon emissions in hotels which are undergoing renovation.

As a result the hotel has managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,560 tons, and will receive 25,000 euros and also energy certification.

Hotels which sign up to the Plan PIMA SOL have direct access to funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which supports this initiative with funding of 200 million euros.

However, the hotels are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by between 40% and 70% to qualify.

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4,000 residents may be taken off the census list

Alfaz Ayuntamiento has launched a campaign to ‘find’ 4,000 residents whose names are about to be taken off the local ‘padrón’ list.

By law, if your pardon has not been renewed for 5 years, and during that time you do not use a public service, such as a school or a doctor, your name is removed by the national census office.

In a report, Alfaz’s population of around 22,000 residents showed 4,000 residents as ‘unconfirmed’.

The Ayuntamiento has put out a call for any resident who signed on the padrón over four years ago and who may not have used a public service since to please call in at the Ayuntamiento to confirm that they still live in Alfaz del Pi. Ayuntamiento staff are also visiting the last known addresses of as many residents as possible.

Woman sues owner of a donkey that escaped and bit her

The woman was collecting snails with her grandchildren near the village of Santo Ángel when the donkey, which was kept at a nearby farm, but which had escaped, ran at the woman, who sustained scratches to her hand, shoulder and face.

It then ran on, and attacked a jogger, biting him on the arm.

He tried to evade the animal by climbing over a wire fence, scratching his hand on wire as he did so.

The animal was apprehended by the Policía Local, assisted by staff of the Servicio de Zoonosis from the Ayuntamiento de Murcia.

The woman took the owner to the Audiencia Provincial, claiming he was negligent in his control of the animal, and also claiming for her injuries.

She sought damages of 16,700 euros, but the Court dismissed her claim, suggesting that she should have recourse to a civil court, if she felt her case was valid.

News

Almería EQUO opposes schedule cuts at the Alcazaba and the Museo Arqueológico during the summer.

The spokeswoman for EQUO Almería, Mar Verdejo, emphasises the irrationality of these proposed cuts to the opening hours, which will close the sites during the afternoons, and which were to be implemented this summer.

She said that the new schedule was not adapted to the demands of tourism or the weather of the city, with opening hours being restricted to the hottest hours of the day.

‘We consider that not only they are not meeting the demands of citizenship, but these new schedules reflect a covert policy of cuts in public services, jobs and culture, which goes precisely against one of economic pillars which our region still has: cultural tourism, based on a sustainable model that respects our environment and our rich architectural heritage.”

Taller de empleo ‘Arboleas Horizonte 2020’ has reached its conclusion

The Alcalde del Ayuntamiento de Arboleas, Cristóbal García, attended the closing ceremony of the taller de empleo ‘Arboleas Horizonte 2020’ (employment workshop ‘Arboleas Horizon 2020’).

The ceremony was also attended by the students of the workshop, who were handed a diploma certifying their attendance at theoretical and practical classes.

“I want to congratulate both students and teachers for their involvement in this project and wish them every success in their future careers,” said the Mayor.

The workshop has given specialised environmental and sustainability training in accordance with the ‘Agenda 21’, which links skills development with environmental sustainability.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY2014

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UFO sighted by airline pilot

The captain of a Thomas Cook airliner flying tourists back from Ibiza to Manchester reported a “near miss” with a “rugby ball”-shaped UFO, which passed within feet of his jet.

The encounter took place over Reading, Berks. The pilot reported it to the aviation authorities, who launched an investigation, but no earthly identity for the object could be established.

The encounter was disclosed earlier this month by the Telegraph, and although the details of the jet and its flight were not made available, it is known that the incident took place on July 19th 2013, at 6.35pm.

The captain said he spotted the object travelling towards the jet out of a left hand side, cockpit window, apparently heading directly for it. He said there was no time to for the aircrew to take evasive action.

The incident was investigated by the UK Airprox Board, which studies “near misses” involving aircraft in British airspace. The report states: “The captain

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was under the apprehension that they were on collision course with no time to react. His immediate reaction was to duck to the right and reach over to alert the FO (First Officer); there was no time to talk to alert him.”

The Captain told investigators he believes the object passed “a few feet” above the jet. He described it as being “cigar/ rugby ball like” in shape, bright silver and apparently “metallic” in construction.

Once it had passed, the captain checked the aircraft’s instruments and contacted air traffic controllers to report the incident.

At the inquiry, no visual sign of the object could be established, and data recordings showed no other aircraft were in the area at the time. No meteorological balloons had been released in the vicinity, and toy balloons would have been unable to reach the height at which the aircraft was flying. Military radar operators were contacted but were unable to trace it.

Expats in Spain

Residents fined for failing to correctly recycle their rubbish.

Ròtova Ayuntamiento has been issuing fines, which could reach as much as 900 euros for failing to put bottles, cardboard, paper and other reusable waste in the correct containers.

They are also required to squash down their refuse in bin-bags as much as possible to reduce the space they take up in the skips.

Another requirement is that rubbish is taken out at the correct time of day household and trade waste must only be disposed of after 7 pm.

Due to the financial success of these measures, it seems more than possible that other cash-strapped Ayuntamientos will follow their lead.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

News Image: www.bigfanboy.com

Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead ‘After Overdose’ Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his M a n h a t t a n apartment after an apparent drug overdose.

The Hollywood star, who won an

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Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2005 film Capote, was 46 years old.

The father-of-three was found dead in his bathroom with a syringe in his arm, according to law enforcement sources.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, two officials said small envelopes they suspect contained heroin were found in the Greenwich Village apartment. They said the bags were marked with the ace of hearts and spades.

Police were called by a friend of the actor to his home on Sunday at 11.30am local time.

His family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone.

“This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

The actor’s body was removed from the apartment building in the West Village on Sunday night.

Sky’s US correspondent Greg Milam said: “The shock across the United States is being felt very keenly.”

A string of Hollywood stars have paid tribute, including Kevin Bacon, Jim Carrey and British actor Gary Oldman, who said Hoffman was “very special”.

The actor John Hurt - who starred with Hoffman in 2003 film Owning Mahowny - said: “It’s a devastating loss. His contribution was massive.”

Hoffman’s other film credits included The Big Lebowski, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mission: Impossible III, and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Last year, he revealed he was forced to check himself into rehab after taking prescription pills and snorting heroin,

having managed to stay clean for 23 years.

He reportedly admitted he “started off taking prescription pills which escalated to snorting heroin”.

The star was apparently concerned he was about to lose control and checked himself into a detox facility on the East Coast.

On leaving the centre after 10 days, Hoffman credited “a great group of friends and family” for the support and encouragement to get help.

“I went to rehab, I got sober when I was 22-years-old,” he said in a 2006 interview.

“You get panicked ... and I got panicked for my life.”

News of Hoffman’s death came after his representatives denied a death hoax about the actor spread earlier in the week.

Born in 1967, in Fairport, New York, Hoffman became involved in acting at high school.

He went on to study at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he graduated with a degree in Drama in 1989.

He got his first acting role in a 1991 episode of the long-running police drama Law and Order, but his big break came in the 1997 film Boogie Nights, starring alongside Mark Wahlberg.

In addition to his screen work, Hoffman was also a talented stage actor, gaining plaudits for his roles on Broadway.

He had recently been working on the last instalment of The Hunger Games franchise, in which he played the role of head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

He leaves his long-term partner and costume designer Mimi O’Donnell and their two daughters and son.

Source: web.orange.co.uk

Russian School Siege Teen Shoots Two Dead A teenage gunman has shot dead a police officer and a teacher, and held more than 20 students hostage during a siege at a school on the outskirts of Moscow.

The armed attacker carrying a rifle forced his way into the building this morning and took hostage pupils aged around 15 years old along with a teacher in a biology class.

He was said by authorities to be an older student at the number 263 high school, situated in the northwest of the Russian capital.

A security guard, who was injured in the assault, managed to raise the alarm by triggering an emergency button and police immediately responded.

Scores of officers and ambulances arrived at the scene and were fired at by the gunman through a school window.

One officer who had been shot died at the scene, while another was injured and airlifted to hospital.

A biology teacher was also killed in the shooting.

Police said the gunman had been arrested and all the children freed from the building, where anxious friends and family had gathered outside to await news about their loved ones.

Interior Ministry spokesman Andrei Pilipchuck told state television: “The person who took 20 people and a teacher hostage is a student in the upper classes at the same school.

“He has been neutralised and all the students have been freed.

“One policeman was fatally wounded during the operation and died in hospital, and a teacher at school number 263 was also killed.”

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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News

Lloyds PPI Mis-Selling Provision Up By £1.8bn

Lloyds Banking Group has announced an additional set-aside provision of £1.8bn for payment protection insurance (PPI) mis-selling claims.

The taxpayer-backed high street lender now has a PPI provision of £3bn for 2013.

Lloyds has amassed the largest provision for misselling by Britain’s high street banks.

Its total PPI mis-selling bill has reached £9.8bn, three times more than bailout rival RBS. The bank is due to release its full-year results on February 13 and is expected to make a modest statutory profit.

It is also expected to start paying dividends again this year, six years after payments were suspended ahead of a £20bn bailout.

Chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio said: “We expect to apply in the second half of 2014 to restart dividend payments and to deliver progressive and

sustainable payments to shareholders thereafter.

“This will be another important step in our journey to rebuild trust and confidence in our group.”

The payments need Prudential Regulatory Authority approval and are expected to be made after June.

Lloyds also confirmed it is writing a prospectus to sell part of the Government’s stake, as previously reported by Sky News.

The bank, which owns both the Halifax and Bank of Scotland, now expects 550,000 complaints about PPI. Business claims continue to mount for Lloyds and it has set aside an additional £130m over mis-selling related to small and medium-sized businesses.

Lloyds was the top faller on the FTSE 100 in early morning trades.

Demand For Real Butter Is Spreading

The demand for real butter is increasing according to the latest sales figures for the product.

In the last five years sales of butter have risen 7% in the UK, while margarine sales have dropped by 6%.

However, the market for margarine is still bigger with 271 million kilograms sold per year, while butter sells 141 million kilograms.

The increase in demand for butter has helped boost the business of many artisan producers, including Abernethy Butter in County Down in Northern Ireland.

Will and Allison Abernethy started making butter on their farm three years ago, and the enterprise has turned from a hobby into a business producing one tonne of butter a month.

Mrs Abernethy said: “We didn’t realise there was such a demand for butter and the public were saying ‘we love butter, we don’t like margarine and we’re going back to butter’.”

Their hand-made product has even melted the hearts of Michelin Star chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marcus Wareing. They supply

butter to their London restaurants as well as highend retailer Fortnum and Mason.

Even the big producers of margarines are starting to realise there has been a shift towards butter.

Last Autumn consumer goods giant Unilever, which produces Flora margarine, introduced butter into one of its spreads for the very first time.

For decades the health benefits of margarine have been promoted over butter.

But now the experts say butter isn’t that bad for us after all.

Belfast based nutritional therapist Jane McClenaghan has been telling people to convert back to butter for years.

She said: “Not only are people looking for a more natural product but also research actually doesn’t really back up the evidence that we should cut saturated fats out of our diet totally so our trends are following what the research says, but it has just taken us a while.”

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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If any one place comes close to rolling together everything that’s quintessentially Andalucian, it’s Seville. Here in the region’s capital and biggest city, that special Andalucian way of life is distilled into its purest and most intense form.

Seville has the most passionate and portentous Semana Santa (Holy Week), the most festive and romantic annual feria (fair), the best tapas bars, the best nightlife and the most stylish people in Andalucía. It has more narrow, winding, medieval lanes and romantic, hidden plazas soaked in the scent of orange blossom than half of Andalucía’s other cities put together. It’s the

home of those two bulwarks of Andalucian tradition, flamenco and bullfighting, and its heri tage of art and architecture (Roman, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque) is without rival in southern Spain.

But Seville’s most developed art form is that of enjoying oneself.

To be out at night among the city’s relaxed, fun-loving crowds – in the tapas bars, on the streets, in the clubs and discos – is an experience you won’t forget.

There are a couple of catches, of course: Seville is expensive. You might pay €80 here for a room that would cost €50 elsewhere, and prices go even higher during Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril (April Fair). Also bear in mind that Seville gets very hot in July and August: locals, sensibly, leave the city then.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet. com/spain/seville

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The Spanish city of Malaga is a Mediterranean seaport on the Costa del Sol in the Andalucía region of southern Spain. It is the second most populous city in Andalucía, the sixth in the whole of Spain and more importantly it’s a major tourist destination. Famed for its rich architectural history, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding local wines and beautiful sandy beaches as well as being the birthplace of Picasso.

Being located on the southern tip of the European mainland, Malaga is blessed with a typical mediterranean climate. Tourists can enjoy Malaga throughout the year, though the enjoyment will be

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Malaga has some brilliant sites for you to go and explore. However, if you are on a short trip, then the top 10 best places to vist are Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, Picasso HouseMuseum, Cafe de Paris, La Cancela, Parador de Malaga-Gibralfaro, Gibralfaro Castle, Casa Natal de Picasso, Tryp Guadalmar and Hotel Larios.

Flamenco shows, jazz sessions, shopping, festivals and sight seeing in and around the city of Malaga will keep you entertained.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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Chinese restaurant owner told to pull down two gigantic 50ft naked Buddhas from establishment’s roof A Chinese restaurant has removed two naked 50ft statues of Buddha from its roof just two days after putting them up because they offended believers.

The statues were a reference to a old Chinese wives’ tale involving Buddhist monks, which features one of them scrambling over a wall to try some soup.

Buddhist followers, known for their peaceful ways, were so angered by their religions leader being used as an advert that they began protesting outside the eatery, demanding the figures be taken down.

According to the legend a scholar travelling by foot used to carry ingredients for the soup in a clay pot, and heat them up when he stopped for rest.

The story goes that while warming the dish near a Buddhist temple, one of the monks could not resist the smell and jumped over a wall to try it, causing a poet among them to remark that Buddha himself would have done the same.

Li Tsui, who owns the restaurant in Jinan, in China’s Shangdong province, said: ‘I didn’t intend to offend anyone and in fact there is a very popular dish that we also make here known as Fotiaoqiang, which is extremely popular in this part of the world and

everybody eats it.

‘The dish translates as “Buddha leaps off the wall”. I simply meant to advertise that and as everybody knows the dish didn’t think that would be a problem.’

While different versions of the story are told across the whole of China, it is likely to be made up as a marketing trick in order to sell the expensive meal.

Recipes for the soup also differ, but usually include a variety of expensive ingredients, such as venison, shark fin, sea cucumber, shiitake mushrooms, herbs such as ginseng and wolfberries, Shaoxing rice wine, bamboo shoots, pork, duck, quail’s eggs and stock.

The ingredients are combined in a large clay pot, covered with wine and stock and then boiled very slowly for a long time.

It is a delicacy which is not widely available, and must usually be bought from specialist restaurants, such as the one owned by Mr Tsui.

Read more: http://www.dailymail. c o . u k /n e w s /a r t i c l e -2 5 42 71 3/ C h i n e s e - r e s t a u r a n t- ow n e r-t o l d p u l l - t w o - g i g a n t i c - 5 0 f t- n a k e d B u d d h a s - e s t a b l i s h m e n t- s - r o o f. html#ixzz2qxuqFthC Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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ALMERIMAR & surrounding area For all your local advertising needs call Mark on 693 774 932

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2nd Sunday of the month “RastroMarket” in the car park opposite Leo’s

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Every Thursday

MacGowans open mic & jam --------------------------------------------------------

14th February

Valentines Day Menu Stumble Inn Check out facebook stumble inn

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Advertisers publish your special events here. Charity/community groups events also published FREE of charge.

What To See & Do

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“ALMERIMAR RASTRO On the second Sunday of each month in the car park in Almerimar Port opposite Leo’s bar there is an arts and antique market which is also a car boot sale.

The traders vary from those selling hand made jewellery, antiques and crafts to people wanting to get rid of their unwanted household items.

Come along this Sunday from 10 am and have a look at what is on offer”

--------------------------------------------almerimar local information keep up to date with what’s happening in Almerimar: www.facebook.com/ localinformation

Chillout property management

The Charity Shop Asociacion de Animales Reg No. 5272

Calle Galera No6, Almerimar (Behind Bar Ankara)

Please help me find my forever family!

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She is less than one year old and looking for a home.

Please can you help.

are pleased to announce that they have taken over the day to day running and ALL clients of Almerimar property management.

Due to retirement and relocation to another part of Spain Carol and Stuart have sold the business to Chillout property Management.

All clients have been informed and accepted the seamless transition from one company to another.

This makes Chillout property managemnet one of the largest management companies in the area, so if you have a property in Almerimar and need a professional company to look after, it then contact chillout on 665611238 and ask for Pete or Pat or email them on info@chilloutwithus.eu The web site can be viewed on www.chilloutwithus.eu.

Pat and Pete would like to wish Carol and Stuart all the best in their relocation and retirement.

MacGowan’s El Ejido Bowls Club Bar & Restaurant

QUEENIE

If you can help me PLEASE Contact the Charity shop on 950 497 193 Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Facebook: Asociacion de Animales de Berja E-mail asociaciondeanimales@hotmail.com Web: www.asociaciondeanimalesdeberja.com

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for new players and have training sessions starting at 21.30h every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Players of all abilities welcome.

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www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

11

MIKE’S MOVIES Just a week after the excitement of the Golden Globes, the design consultants, stylists and fashion designers were earning another crust. The stars of film and television were having their hair done, putting on their designer outfits and donning the donated-forthe-night jewellery. The women were making an effort too!!

This time the event was the annual SAG / AFTRA awards - more commonly known as the SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS. The second set of initials stands for the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists. These two organisations represent over 100,000 active members across the United States.

These are the performers - the people who work in front of the camera. The faces on the screen.

In 1995, they decided to honour their own with a special awards ceremony that focussed on the performance - not just of the individual actors but because acting is a collaborative art, they also recognise the ensemble. Of the thirteen awards presented each year, three are for best cast in the categories of TV Drama Series, TV Comedy Series and Motion Picture. And in recognition of those who we see on screen without necessarily seeing their faces or recognising their names lower down the credits, they also give an award for the outstanding performance of a stunt ensemble in a TV series or movie.

The top Award each year is the SAG Life Achievement Award. This years recipient was RITA MORENO, whose career spans an amazing seven decades in the business. Notably, she was the first artist ever to win the four majors - an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy. It’s an achievement that few have equalled since.

So, no directors, producers, cinematographers, screenwriters, sound engineers or set designers, but for that very reason, this is a hugely prestigious and coveted award for the acting fraternity. Some would argue that it’s better than an Oscar. Although winning both is better still!

It’s also a heavyweight award in another sense. The statuette that the winners receive is 16 inches tall, weighs 12lb and is cast in solid bronze. It depicts the figure of a seminaked man holding the traditional smiling and frowning drama face-masks in each of his hands and standing on a plinth of solid black granite. Each award has a serial number engraved on the base. So each is, in effect, a limited edition. The original design was by sculptor EDWARD SAENZ and is referred to - not surprisingly - as an “ACTOR”.

Each year, SAG and AFTRA select at random a panel of 2200 of their members from across the country. It’s these significant statistical samples that come up with the list of nominees in each category. Then the entire memberships vote for the winners.

On Saturday 18th January at this year’s ceremony the awards for performances in 2013 in the movie categories went to ……

BEST ACTOR - Matthew McConaughey (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Jared Leto (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB) BEST ACTRESS - Cate Blanchett (BLUE JASMINE) BEST SUPPORT ACTRESS - Lupita Nyong’o (12 YEARS A SLAVE) BEST CAST was won by the ensemble of AMERICAN HUSTLE. Amongst the TV Awards, the ensemble prizes went to …

The cast of BREAKING BAD in the drama category and the comedy award went to the cast of MODERN FAMILY. Best Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries went to MICHAEL DOUGLAS for his stunning performance as Liberace in BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA. While fans of BREAKING BAD will not be surpised to find that BRYAN CRASTON won the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series (for the fourth year in succession!) for his multi-layered portrayal of Walter White - a respected high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to turn his talents to the manufacture and sale of the best crystal-meth on the market. His descent into the criminal underworld and subsequent transformation from ordinary, even boring, suburban husband and father into mad-dog drug dealer has become an entertainment phenomenon, nominated for a total of 138 awards of which it won an incredible 57 of them (including 10 TV EMMY’s) during its 62 episode run. Walt’s arrival at his final destination at the end of season five was, for many watchers, the screen event of last year. If you’ve never seen BREAKING BAD, buy the box-set. It’s TV gold, but prepare to be shocked.

Somewhat harder to fathom was the award for Best Actress in a TV series which went to our own MAGGIE SMITH for her role in “DOWNTON ABBEY”. Now I know she’s a national treasure and as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, she always has the best lines in each episode but let’s face it, her role is very much a supporting one. Perhaps the SAG/AFTRA voters have realised that without her “Downton” would seem a little too starched and stiff.

The award for best performance by a stunt team was won by the crew working on GAME OF THRONES. A final thought. A pattern is developing. The actors in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB are both two for two. Because actors vote for actors in the OSCARS too, the bookies odds on Messrs McConaughey and Leto are getting shorter by the day. Don’t expect the BAFTAS (which will be the focus of next week’s column) to offer any further insight in this area because DALLAS BUYERS CLUB will only appear on British cinema screens this week and so did not qualify for our 2013 prizes.

(MIKE ELLIS was a cinema manager for twelve years in the seventies and eighties. After that, he spent the next fifteen years as a freelance film and video reviewer and writer about cinema for a number of magazines.

Today, when not enjoying the sun in Spain, he still sees as many movies as he can in Birmingham).

Darsena 1, Bar Stumble Inn, Almerimar Tel: 634 377 850 www.stumbleinn.es

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t a e d r o o G G l e k e o F Lo What is Sciatica and how do we treat these symptoms?

Sciatica neuritis, sciatic neuralgia, or lumbar radiculopathy is a set of symptoms including pain caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots of each sciatic nerve— or by compression or irritation of the left or right or both sciatic nerves. Symptoms include lower back pain, buttock pain, and pain, numbness or weakness in various parts of the leg and foot. Other symptoms include a “pins and needles” sensation, or tingling and difficulty moving or controlling the leg. Typically, symptoms only manifest on one side of the body. The pain may radiate below the knee down to the big toe, but does not always depending how Acute or Chronic your condition.

Sciatica is a relatively common form of

low back and leg pain, but the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood.

Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve to cause the pain. Treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs, depending on underlying causes and pain levels. Causes include compression of the sciatic nerve roots by a herniated (torn) or protruding disc in the lower back.

Compression of the Nerve then builds up Trigger points in Muscles which then further compresses the Nerve and disrupts blood flow. It then becomes a vicious circle on how to stop the Muscle from going into spasm. A spasm then leads other muscles to lock up in order to prevent the muscle more trauma.

This then in turn if left to a chronic point will pull on your Torso and leave your posture all out of balance.

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Chicken and Egg … Which came first?

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

13

Osteopath

Naturopath

What is a Trigger Point? investigating back pain, trigger points should be at the top Trigger points form only in muscles. They form as a of the list, because pain that comes from trigger points is Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O local contraction in a small number of muscle fibers in usually treatable with a Registered Massage Therapist. a larger muscle or muscle bundle. Liquid and Crystals The reason there are so many differing opinions about form underneath the bundles that then make the muscles the cause of back pain is that it’s mostly referred pain. This for info and appointments raised. These in turn can pull on tendons and ligaments is especially true of low back pain. You may never find the associated with the muscle which then cause you Range real cause of low back pain if you look for it only in the low of Motion to become shortened and restricted. This then back. Surprisingly, trigger points in the buttocks muscles in turn causes pain deep within a joint where there are no are a frequent cause of low back pain. The reverse is also muscles. true: trigger pints in low back often refer pain down to the buttocks and hips known as Sciatica. In addition, trigger • Emergency Home Visits Why Suffer When Massage can Help? points in the abdominal and psoas muscles can send pain • English • Spanish Debbie James our Local Massage Therapist treats to the back. Though they’re easily overlooked, even by Trigger Points and Sciatica but using heat in the local people who know trigger points well. For pain in the back • French • German area. This then assists the muscle to relax and become and buttocks, the old rule applies more than ever: Never • 20 Year’s Serving the more palpable. The Trigger point (Knot) is then broken assume the problem is at the place that hurts! community down so takes the compression of the nerve alleviated Confusing the issue further, back pain is usually a pain thus allowing the healing to take place and blood supply to return. By giving aftercare advice and stretches composite, with components sent from the trigger points both above and below where you feel the pain. The key to stop these trigger points Sciatica - Back Pain - Sports Injuries to success treating back and from building then removes Digestive and Cardiovascular Disorders buttocks pain lies in trouble the symptoms allowing shooting skills.

A skilled Headaches - Arthritis - Skin Conditions you to continue with day therapist should be able to to day activities. The relief Centro Cueva Del Lobo Paseo help you find out the points from pain and maintenance Mediterraneo 10, Mojacar Beach that are causing it. advice helps you manage Centro Medico Indalo C/ Manuel Azaña, Almeria your problem and even To be continued ……… eradicate the source.

Please note I do not do the revolving door syndrome where you are always having treatments to combat this problem that is why I teach you self massage and open 9-3pm Mon-Fri advice to keep the problem at bay.

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Call Sandra 661 858 949 nerves, ruptured disks, or Reduced muscle tension and joint pain NOT JUST A PAMPER SESSION arthritis is causing their (Medical Board aware of the benefits of massage) back pain, when there’s Improved blood circulation good chance that their Sports Massage for those problem areas Enhanced sense of health and well-being pain may be coming solely, Quote Sol1 to receive a free consultation Salon open or at least in part, from with no obligation Wednesday & Abilgale - 632 779 082 myofascial trigger points Thursday in muscles. Even when Gift Vouchers Tuesday appointments from 9 am back pain is due to genuine problems in the vertebral available for 9am to 3pm Teri is fully qualified with over column, myofascial trigger Valentines 20 years’ experience points always contribute Melissa - 626 144 680 a major part of the pain.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

braben’s blog...

Was anyone else as confused as I was when reading the article last week? It appears that when organising the paper, parts of the previous article got merged with the current article. When organising 6 different additions of a paper to allow for the differing local news and features, even the best of us can get a little overwhelmed. Add to this the loss of a day and a half for us writers to get our articles in on time, put an inordinate amount of pressure on the, now short-handed, editorial staff. Anyway enough justification for the apology for the confusion. Lets start with today’s piece.

Fantastic news!! Microsoft is going to lose the stupid window 8 tile interface in favour of the ever useful and 100 percent popular menu driven interface. If I have just rattled on in martianese please forgive me and allow me to explain.

Windows 8 comes with a screen that is covered with coloured (NOT colored) tiles, each relating to a “touch and go” function very much like the “touch and go” of tablet technology. which, for a tablet device is appropriate and innovative! Unfortunately, for the rest of us who still use a, WIMP – Yep! Real acronym which means, Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pointer system, this tiled interface is about as intuitive as counter-intuitive can be! I have studied the interface, long and hard, and still, for reasons that will ever elude me, can’t get my head around it.

So why then “yipee ki-ay mudsucker”?

The almighty Microsoft have finally realised that NOBODY actually wanted this look and people would rather be using previous or alternative operating systems instead! At the same time computer manufacturers stopped using it, as people didn’t want a new computer if it came with Windows 8. Let’s not forget that MicroSoft, as a result of these non-sales, lost a pretty penny! This is a real KITA (Kick In The Arse – another authorised acronym) to those

who, for so long, have told us what we can and can not do with our systems and then charged us an extortionate amount of money to lease, (you know that you never actually own that copy of windows that you are using), the Windows operating system.

So how do they intend to correct this faux par of epic proportion? By releasing an upgrade, (standard MicroSoft method of correcting it’s mistakes). The first upgrade called Windows 8.1 (a novel name), which gave the option to return to the good old-fashioned, stable and working interface that we all love to use, but which was hidden in a sub-folder off a floating menu option called by right clicking over the menu bar (when you managed to get the menu bar to display). Now there is to be a Window 8.1 SP1 (Service Pack 1) which will have the menu system that you and I love back where it rightly belongs!

Something that you may or may-not know is that while ever the current Windows 8 is running so are dozens of applets that Monitor your Mail, Watch the Weather, Follow Facebook, Tweak Twitter and generally take Massive bites out of the Minimal Bytes that you have for running ‘Real’ programs like XBMC, Spreadsheet, and proper programs doing useful things.

It sounds like I don’t like Microsoft. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I don’t and never have liked Bill Gates who could donate every single cent he has to charity and it won’t change my opinion. If you’re interested as to why I have such strong opinions of the man – NOT THE COMPANY – come to Jack’s bar, in Albox, on a Friday afternoon where I’ll be helping sort out problems that other people seem to be having trouble with! I’m fair and clear in my pricing, my ethics and don’t even charge if it isn’t fixable! How much fairer and honest can I be? See you there, Ring or write.

You have all the information in front of you.

So have a terrific week and see you next week if not before.

For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

I couldn’t make it up!

The long commute between Estepona to Mojacar is normally as boring as it is uneventful; OCD ensures that I know to the minute how long the journey takes, which service stations serve the best grub and where the dogs and I can safely stop for a wee break.

On the Sierra Nevada from the A92 I saw the snow slowly melt throughout last summer into autumn, with white patches clinging on until the warm November killed the last snowman. Now the mountains are shrouded in white again. Since its last service the car temperature gauge has shown Fahrenheit. In January the numbers dropped from the mid-60s on the coast to a chilly 36F in the mountain pass between Granada and Guadix with snow next to the motorway.

Clients of Findmeahome viewed a property twice before Christmas, then cancelled the lawyers’ appointment to pay the deposit with just an hours’ notice saying they were buying something else instead. They had spent Christmas Day trying to find the house themselves so I should have seen it coming. Kindly people told me that the ‘clients’ had visited the owners three times afterwards without letting us know. The owners explained they

Kitchen Perils

Dr. Doolittle-remember him? He was the one who talked to the animals-even when he was sober! Well now we can do even better than that-we can talk to our washing machines, or at least exchange texts with them. Yes, the new generation of washing machines has the ability to do just that so, when you are away from home, you can keep in touch with your labour saving devices-if you really need to!

These new appliances are now fitted with a wotsit-I call it a wotsit because I haven’t got a clue what it is, how it works or what it looks like, but I know it’s there. But this wotsit allows them to receive and send texts. You may at this stage be wondering, as I did, exactly why anyone would feel the need to be in contact with their washing machine. This is exactly what I thought when I saw the report and I couldn’t in all honesty think of any possible circumstances that would encourage me to waste time texting my labour saving devices. But then, as usual, I wasn’t reckoning on the unexplainably daft things people manage to do. Not you and I of course, no, but there are some adults out there who really shouldn’t be roaming around unsupervised.

Australia is full of pretty nasty things that can cause us harm, such as spiders, jelly fish, octopus and other nefarious insecty things. Now we can add another menace to that list; washing machines! Just last month a man in Australia decided that he would surprise his wife when she came home from work.

Nothing wrong with a little innocent fun, but unfortunately he let his imagination, fuelled I would guess by excessive intake of falling down water, run away with him.

He decided to climb into their top loading washing machine…naked. Guess whathe got stuck! I imagine that like me you are shaking your head in disbelief, but unfortunately, it’s true. How they won the Ashes is beyond me!

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo. co.uk

On reflection, maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to stay in contact with your white goods, especially if you have someone at home with the intelligence of a mint humbug. Just in case you were wondering, the Fire Brigade freed him from the washing machine, but not before they had to take it completely to pieces. You can imagine the texts it sent its friends!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

hadn’t told us either as they didn’t take the people seriously.

The owners agreed verbally to pay findmeahome commission but then ominously ignored my two requests for this in writing. We agreed to a meeting, in the meantime they all popped down to a lawyer in Albox, signed a contract and sorted out the deposit. So our meeting was a waste of time especially when the owner started shouting and stabbing his finger as I wouldn’t tell him who’d let on about them meeting our clients. I wouldn’t risk anyone harm from trying to help me. I was turfed out of the house, shoved roughly in the back, and warned I would be punched and my car damaged if I didn’t leave immediately. I had a witness with me but hey its only money I thought as I left!

Unfortunately it wasn’t just only money, within hours I had back pain to and by coincidence raging toothache. The next day I gingerly got out of bed only for my back to give way leaving me bent over.

I somehow managed to get in the car and when I met that day’s client I explained I was walking rather awkwardly due to a bad back. Things took a hilarious turn for the worst when an owner’s dog tripped me up, sending me sprawling over a patio.

That night a kindly dentist removed the offending molar. Dosed up with pain killers I went to bed feeling strangely elated.

The next day my back pain was worse. I found Ray Daniels the Sports Therapists’ phone number and got an emergency appointment. Feeling slightly better but heeding advice from both my wife and Ray, I rested up and drove back to Estepona the next day. All went swimmingly until a ‘bump’ sounded from the engine and in the rear-view mirror I saw 2 rubber thingies bounce away. The alternator cable had snapped, as the engine died I coasted into a nearby service station to wait for the Grua.

What should have been an hour to drive home then took ages as the car had to me dropped off at a garage. I was given a courtesy tank on this by now a dark Sunday night. I was 5 minutes down the road when a tyre exploded leaving me stranded on a dual carriageway. The mechanic couldn’t have been more helpful and was there in 30 mins with a replacement wheel. I limped home only 5 hours late feeling like the film Planes Trains and Automobiles!

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

15

Dancing on Ice 2014

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

week 5

This week saw the celebrities going head to head in the Duel. All the judges scores from week 1 had been added together and then the duels were put together 1st place v 2nd place, 3rd v 4th etc.

The winner of the duel getting an automatic pass through to next weeks show, the losers all having to skate for the public vote but no judges scores this week.

Opening were Sam Attwater and Kyran Bracken duelling to ‘Beat It’. I preferred the presentation and confidence shown by Sam as I felt Kyran appeared slightly shaky on one of the lifts. There was a split decision from the judges but as Robin Cousins had the casting vote Kyran went through to next week.

Next were bottom placed (7th and 8th) Bonnie Langford and Gareth Gates skating to Things We Used To Do, and this duel showed the elegance and precision of Bonnie versus the characterisation of this piece by Gareth.

Again the judges were left with a split decision the casting vote this time going to Gareth Gates

book review

The sun gleamed blue in the sunlight and on rainy days, its sullen pewter gloom was thrillingly brightened by crashing white surf that made my heart sing and my head clear of everything except the brilliant beauty of this wondrous place.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder although looks can be deceptive.

Finnigan intended to write a ghost story with a thriller touch but it is more of an agonising portrayal of a woman’s descent into despair and insanity like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s autobiographical story The Yellow Wallpaper documenting her own decline into madness. A bit depressing.

Cornwall. This is Daphne du Maurier country, Menabilly where the famous Rebecca was conceived, the thriller that we all loved so much. The landscape may well be breathtaking but it can also be bleak and menacing, a god-forsaken, isolated place, shrouded in mist, rain and loneliness which is where Finnigan sets her scene.

The writer’s purpose was to show how tragic it is to lose a parent who leaves behind young children. Finnigan’s friend Caron Keating died at the age of 41 from breast cancer leaving two young sons.

When you read Finnigan’s debut novel you will see the inspiration behind the character of Eloise who also dies from cancer leaving two young daughters. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Cathy, the main character is a weak and badly disturbed heroine, if we can call her that, who has already suffered from clinical depression and throughout the novel she hovers on the brink of insanity.

Husband Chris, a psychiatrist has been tolerant and patient of his wife’s demise

leaving Bonnie to the public vote.

The third duel saw Beth Tweddle skating against Hayley Tamaddon to Fighter. This was an easy win for Hayley who gave it attitude plus whereas Beth who is technically a very good skater never quite gets the presentation side out. Hayley took the duel by a unanimous judges vote leaving Beth in the skate off.

Closing this part of the show was my favourite Ray Quinn against Suzanne Shaw and Dead Ringer For Love. Even though Suzanne skated really well she was in a no win situation against a much stronger skater with superb presentation skills (no I’m not biased!) Ray again gained a unanimous vote from the judges leaving Suzanne to face the public vote.

Each of the losers then had to skate a piece they had helped to choreograph with their partners starting with Sam Attwater and Vicky. Unlike the duel this piece lacked presentation and unfortunately the side by side step sequence wasn’t together.

Next were Bonnie Langford and Andre skating

to Devilgate Drive. This was an energetic performance with all the usual elegance and line we expect from Bonnie. Following were Beth Tweddle and Lucasz skating to Think. This was a precise, careful skate with great lifts and tricks but again lacking that essential presentation skill. Closing were Suzanne Shaw and Matt to I Knew You Were Trouble.

Even though one of the lifts caused Matt to slip and fall taking Suzanne down with him, Suzanne recovered immediately and continued as if nothing had happened - exactly what needed to be done and she gave an excellent performance.

After the public vote the bottom 2 were Sam Attwater and Bonnie Langford and after the skate off there was a judges unanimous vote for Sam, so Bonnie sadly had to leave the show.

We are getting ever nearer to crowning the ultimate champion. Who will it be? I certainly have my favourite but can anyone challenge him for the title? Tune in for next weeks exciting skate off. Until then come and join our gang for one of our classes but in the meantime Keep Dancing!

Eloise by Judy Finnigan. up until now but Eloise and Cornwall no longer provide the sanctuary that Cathy has enjoyed for 20 years. He knows his limitations and makes unreasonable demands of his wife resulting in a marriage crisis. He tells her he has had enough of her obsessions and her selfishness. He describes her emotions as being warped and twisted. This outburst shocked Cathy because it was so hostile and venomous. Cathy realises that her marriage is hanging by a thread but instead of salvaging it she chooses to unravel the truth regarding Eloise’s haunting messages and warnings.

She is disturbed by the spiritual presence of her recently deceased friend. It seems that Eloise has unfinished business trying to protect her young daughters from Ted, her husband. She appears initially as a formless shade asking for Cathy’s help after admitting to having done a terrible thing which will result in punishment for herself and her twins. Then she appears in person.

Are the visitations ghostly supernatural hallucinations or is Eloise real? Cathy’s mental instability doesn’t help the reader establish any truths here. We learn of Cathy’s bad dreams dating back to the time when her father died. She was severely traumatised by it and recurring nightmares of her father’s burning corpse haunt her to the point of driving her to insanity. She describes them as being Gothic in their horror like the nightmares of severed heads rising out of the ground with their blood dripping onto the grass.

And for Bronte fans there are many references to Wuthering Heights and Cathy’s spiritual return. Good Gothic horror stuff.

I shouldn’t be here. At least not yet. I

was terminally ill but my passing was premature.

Suspicion surrounds Eloise’s death and even Father Pete comments on a disturbance in the air, a feeling of restlessness in the parish. His belief is that Satan has taken control of Eloise and Cathy is being possessed by an evil spirit. His offering is what Chris sardonically refers to as a ghost-busting ritual. Juliana, Eloise’s mother sees it as a betrayal of a friend Eloise trusted.

The main characters may not be particularly credible although there are two interesting characters, Ted the anti-hero/villain who is introduced to us as a bit of a legend and a stunner who deals badly with his wife’s death, drinking too heavily, becoming violent and becoming unhinged just like Cathy.

His moods are unpredictable and he is wildly dangerous. Jack is the childhood sweetheart who knew Eloise as a teenager, who stole her heart and then emigrated with his parents to Australia for a better life. Another stunner but more spiritual and a good role model. And Jack was the key to unlocking the truth and saving the twins. Only then could Eloise rest in peace and allow Cathy to regain her sanity and re-establish a stronghold in her marriage to Chris. Why did Ted hate his wife so much to will her to die prematurely? What happened to the fragile Cathy when she allowed herself to be drawn into a Gothic fantasy turned reality? Did she survive? Why was Jack important and who was Arthur?

It certainly lacks the tension of a Daphne du Maurier or a Susan Hill novel although there are plenty of secrets revealed towards the end to justify the effort in reading it.

Have a look at it for yourself and decide.

Publisher: Sphere ISBN: 978-0-7515-4860-0

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Legal Matters

Help for Expats in Spain

So you own a property in Spain but are still taxed in the UK. You probably wonder what taxes do you have to pay in Spain? Let’s try to go through the most common issues: 1. What taxes am I liable to as a non-resident owning a property in Spain?

You will need to pay yearly: • A local tax called “Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles” (IBI); and • Non-Resident Income Tax. Also, depending on the value of your Spanish assets, you might be subject to Wealth Tax. 2. When and how do these taxes have to be paid?

The IBI is payable between the 20th of September and the 20th of November each year.

The easiest way to pay IBI is to have it automatically debited each year from your Spanish bank account.

Non-resident income tax derived from rentals is payable as income accrues. If you have a property in Spain for your private use, you will also have to file a tax form concerning deemed income.

And Wealth Tax has to be declared if the value for tax purposes of your Spanish assets exceeds the exemption limits (currently 700,000 Euros).

Everything you need to know about...

Non-Resident Spanish Property Owners’ Tax

3. Hang on a minute, does that mean I get taxed on income even if I don’t rent out my property?

Yes, unless what you own is a property which qualifies as “rural” land. But, generally speaking, most second homes, be it an apartment or a villa by the sea or in the country, will qualify as “urban” land and, as such, will be subject to Non-Resident Income Tax (even if you never rent them out).

4. Do I have to appoint a Spanish tax representative?

It is not compulsory if you only own one property for your private use (but it is advisable unless you really know what you are doing). And you will definitely have to appoint one if you are liable to Wealth Tax. 5. Who can I choose to take on that role?

Appoint a “Representante fiscal”, which usually will have an office called “Asesoría” or “Gestoría”.

As your tax representative, they will receive any communications from the Spanish tax authorities about your property. Which means that important tax requests aren’t left mouldering in your Spanish postbox while you’re at home blissfully unaware they’ve arrived (that is if the letters ever reach your postbox!).

6. When I come to sell my Spanish property, will there be tax to pay in Spain?

Yes, on the basis that you make a gain from the difference between your original acquisition value and the sale price. And the Spanish tax authorities will tax this capital gain by means of two taxes: • a local Capital Gains Tax called PLUSVALÍA (which is levied by the Town Hall where the property is located and depends on local values); and • a general Capital Gains Tax (the applicable rate is 21% of the profit made) 7. How long do I have to pay that general Capital Gains Tax after sale?

As a tax resident in Spain, you do your normal tax declaration before the end of June and declare the profit (or loss) made by the sale of a property.

As a non-resident in Spain (for tax purposes), 3% of your property’s sale price must be retained by the buyer and paid on your behalf within one month of the purchase to the Spanish tax authorities as a contribution to Non-resident Income Tax liability regarding capital gains.

8. But with Spanish property prices going soft, I think 3% of the sale price will actually exceed my Spanish Capital Gains Tax liability - what then ?

The 3% retention still has to be made. However, you can apply for a partial or total refund from the

tax authorities. This must be made within 4 months of the sale. Refund will be made into your Spanish bank account (but don’t expect it to be quick!)

9. And Inheritance Tax – does the Spanish tax man get that off me too?

Not exactly. He gets it off your heirs.

In Spain, inheritance tax is paid by the heirs to an estate (rather than the estate itself) and will be taxed on a sliding scale up to 34%.

10. What tax breaks are there to reduce liability to Spanish Inheritance Tax? Not many for non-Spanish residents (note that there is no spouse exemption, so if a Spanish property belonging to a non-Spanish resident couple passes from one to the other on death, Spanish Inheritance Tax is still payable). However, it is advisable to divide the assets between various heirs, each with an allowance before tax of about 16.000 euros. For this, do not forget to grant a Spanish Will, that will make the inheritance smoother and less costly for your heirs.

Information provided by:

For all your legal needs Tlf. 646 844 708 4wayconnections@gmail.com www.4wayconnections.webs.com

properties for sale houses and land can be separated with own escrituras or sold as one lot.

Two detached villa shells built up to and including roofs 125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear.

Fully Legal & with Full Title Deeds

• Each villa spec: 3 beds / 2 baths. Size 125m2

•S pace for pools (12mx6m) • E xceptional uninterrupted views of orange and lemon groves to front & rear •S ituated between Almanzora & Arboleas overlooking Almanzora valley • 1 0 minutes to nearest town with all amenities • I nland country setting, but only 30 minutes to coast.

• I deal for builder to complete internals.

Private sale - Priced to sell Must be viewed to appreciate this golden opportunity

Tel: 609 199 394 / 647 379 878 / 950 064 801

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

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“It has been a great start to the year so if you want to sell your property in our area then contact us now”

UNDER • VH598 €139,950 reduced • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Edge of village • Swimming pool • Walk to restaurant

OFFER

• VH398 €130,000 BARGAIN • 3 bed, 2 bath Country House • 43,000m2 flat, fenced land • Less land if wanted • Walk to amenities

• VH570 €129,950 BARGAIN • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to Huercal-Overa • 25 mins drive to the coast

• VH561 €129,950 BARGAIN • 2 bed, 1 bath Villa • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to Huercal-Overa • 25 mins drive to the coast

PROPERTIES WANTED • VH416 €165,000 NEW INSTRUCTION • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Double garage • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to La Alfoquia

• VH121 €148,000 REDUCED • 4 bed, 3 bath Det Village House • Swimming pool & jacuuzi • 1,135m2 garden • Garage

• VH98 €89,950 REDUCED • 3/4 bed, 2 bath, 1wc Village House • Large & spacious • 320m2 garden • Walk to amenities

Urgently wanted properties in the San Juan de Los Terreros, Huercal-Overa, Taberno and the Zurgena areas

• VH256 €114,950 BARGAIN • 2 bed, 1 bath Villa • Edge of village • Walk to amenities • 10 mins to Huercal-Overa

• VH264 €149,000 BARGAIN • 5 bed, 2 bath Country House • Full of character • Main road access • Walk to amenities

• VH344 €247,500 REDUCED • 5 bed, 3 bath Country House • 170,000m2 of land • Separate apartment & garage • Stable & Paddock

• VH309 €179,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Seaside House • San Juan de Los Terreros • Communal pool with 5 others • Great sea views

• VH588 €179,950 NEW INSTRUCTION • 2 bed, 2 bath Seaside Villa • San Juan de Los Terreros • Sea Views • Walk to amenities & beach

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Family run estate agency dedicated to finding your dream home in the sun! Established since 2003

A HOLE IN ONE!

LIBERTY SEGUROS has been elected by AEGG (the Association of Directors and Managers of Clubs and Golf Courses) as the Insurer of preference for golf insurances.

The agreement ensures that all of AEGG’s members are entitled to the best benefits when contracting a LIBERTY SEGUROS golf insurance, was signed by Manuel Lozano Pose, Manager of AEGG, and Francisco Javier Muñoz Postigo, Commercial Director for LIBERTY SEGUROS in Malaga.

SH807 - €159,950

SH787 - €135,000

ARBOLEAS

ARBOLEAS

A detached 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa

A quaint 4 bedroom Spanish Cortijo

within walking distance to amenities,

only 10 minutes walk from the village

with mountain views, a sun terrace,

of Arboleas. It has 3 sitting rooms,

and an 8m by 4m swimming pool in a

2 bathrooms, a kitchen and huge

popular area.

amounts of character.

Office located next to Cajamar bank in Arboleas village open Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm.

TLF: +34 958 003 391 MOB: +34 606 281 865

info@spanish-hideaways.com www.spanish-hideaways.com

AEGG is a non profit organisation who looks to boost, develop and present the role of Golf Club director/management, making it the ideal organization for LIBERTY SEGUROS to team up with in order to be able to grow in the field of specialist golf insurance.

As Manuel Lozano Pose, Manager of AEGG mentioned, ´this agreement is very beneficial to the organization: to be able to count on a partner such as Liberty Seguros is a breakthrough as they will be able to offer us comprehensive cover, that can be adapted to our specific needs´.

theft as a result of intimidation or violence whilst being transported by the insured, whilst stored with the caddymaster or at the pro-shop. Perhaps even more importantly, it provides Personal Accident Cover for death, permanent disability and medical expenses resulting from accidental injury occurring at the Golf Course. Third Party Liability is included up to 100.000€ which also covers accidents whilst playing abroad, provided that liability would have applied to the insured had the same accident occurred in Spain.

Ask your LIBERTY SEGUROS broker about these competitively priced golf policies and ensure you tee off with absolute peace of mind, whilst at any officially recognised club ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Go to www.libertyexpatriates.es to find the nearest broker that speaks your language!

The policy covers breakage and/ or damage to equipment and clubs during the course of play, as well as cover against fire and

LARGE APARTMENT WITH SEA VIEWS

79.950€

Fantastic opportunity! 3 bed / 2 bath Apartment with walking distance to the beach and golf course and of course all the amenities of Marina de la Torre Golf Resort.

The property has a total built area of 84.05mts² (70.05mts² for the apartment and

14 mts² for the covered front terrace with very good sea view and mountain views).

All in all the apartment is distributed between living / dining room, kitchen, utility area, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further double bedrooms and a family bathroom as well as a sea facing covered terrace.

The property has pre-installation for air conditioning and comes fully furnished.

This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive. For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1559

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Est 25yrs

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP

ESTATE AGENTS / INMOBILiARIA / MANTENIMIENTO - MOJACAR SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENIMIENTO

82,950€ Mojácar Playa A1193

235,000 € Mojácar Playa SDV595

185,000 € Agua Nueva DV1286

Excellent 1st floor apartment of 65m2 with underground parking, storeroom & lift. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, A/C & furnished. Lovely community pool & gardens. Near to the beach. Good rental potential.

Renovated single storey cortijo of 205 m2 on 280 m2 plot 5 mins walk from the beach. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,private patio & small garden. Full of character. Easy parking.

Attractive villa of 84m2 on 400m2 in walking distance of the town. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge 2 room under-build, pretty gardens & carport, uninterrupted views.Short drive to beaches & golf courses.

345,000 € Cañada del Palmer DV1278

135,000 € Mojácar Playa A1169

249,995 € Mojácar Playa LV673

Superb detached villa of 254m2 on 10,000m2 just a short drive from local towns, beaches & golf. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Private pool, ample terraces & outstanding views. Many extras.

125,000 € Mojácar Playa LV651

Lovely townhouse of 147m2 in a small community very close to the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Large private garage, roof terrace & sea views. Communal pool, gardens & terraces. Part furnished.

98,000 € Mojácar Playa A1163

Beautiful ground floor apartment of 51m2 with 57m2 of terraces on a small urbanisation near to the beach.

Large community terraces & pool. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.

Furnished.

Quality penthouse golf apartment of 55m2 with fabulous sea views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, terrace & solarium.

Furnished. Only minutes from the beach. Community pools & gardens.

164,500 € Mojácar Playa DV1281

Pretty detached bungalow of 88m2 on 322m2 just a short walk from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Private garage, terraces & gardens. Furnished. Hot & cold A/C.

275,000 € Valle del Este LV644

Superb linked villa of 210m2 + 87m2 private garden frontline to the golf course. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, storeroom & A/C. Furnished. Allocated parking, community pool, & gardens.

An extremely spacious & impressive house of 151 m2 on 201 m2 with private garage & space for a pool. Magnificent sea views from the upper terraces. 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

In walking distance of the beach.

157,000 € Mojácar Playa A1165

South-facing ground floor apartment of 70m2 + 12m2 terrace & sea views on a smart urbanisation.

2 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms. Lovely community gardens & pool. In walking distance of shops & beaches.

249,950 € Los Lobos DV1258

Outstanding detached villa of 172m2 on 10,000m2 + 10,050 m2. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, central heating & much more. Secure parking, large pool & ample terraces.

Highly recommended.

www.pricebrown.com Tel: +34 950 478 915 Fax: +34 950 478 963 sales@pricebrown.com rentals@pricebrown.com

Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

Monday - Friday 9.30am to 6pm

We are able to organise Energy Efficiency Certificates at very competitive prices. Contact us for more details All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

Prices are correct for 7 days from going to print for all properties on these pages

19

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

homes & g ...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

Coastal properties

If you are considering purchasing a coastal property you should contact the Coastal Demarcation office in yo region to get a certificate to certify that the property is not affected by the 1988 Coastal Law. Bear in mind th while it is possible to view the coastal boundaries of the public maritime areas online on the Environment Ministr website, this may not provide sufficiently accurate information on which to base a property purchase.

Timeshare property

Timeshare ownership is well established in Spain with many respected companies, agents and resorts operati legally and fairly. However, there are also many unscrupulous companies, some of which claim to provide vario incentives (including stock market investments and discounts on airfares and accommodation) when exchangi existing time-share ownership or taking out membership of holiday clubs.

You may find it useful to read the timeshare fraud advice from Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, run by the National Fraud Authority, and the FCO’s (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) advice to help protect yourself against timeshare fraud.

Full Guttering Service Quality English Guttering

If you have a problem with your property in Spain, you may wish to seek help or lodge a complaint with a Spanish authority. Legal aid is free to those who can prove that they do not have sufficient resources for litigation.

Mortgages

Free Quotations johncolbert@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 662 597 596

A CHIMNEY OR FLUE NEEDS CLEANING ONCE A YEAR! WHY? • T O REDUCE THE RISK OF A CHIMNEY FIRE BY REMOVING SOOT AND TAR

• TO REMOVE A BLOCKAGE SUCH AS A BIRD NEST! • TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR APPLIANCE (ESPECIALLY WOODBURNERS)

FOR PEACE OF MIND BOOK YOUR SWEEP TODAY FOR A FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN, SERVICE CALL PAUL ON 617150300 OR 850993057

A C L E AN C HI M N E Y IS A SAF E C HI M N E Y !

The FCO’s strong recomme independent professional fina and their rights and obligation

We have published practical equity release scheme.

Taxes and other costs applic

Rain Diverters Water Butts

Equity releas

Do your homework: you should analyse and compare a range of different products and services offered by different lending companies. If you have any doubts about the terms and conditions, ask the lender to clarify You should also check that the lender is authorised to operate in Spain on the Bank of Spain’s Registros de Entidades.

Look for the mortgage which is most appropriate for your capabilities and needs. There are a range of mortgages on offer and you should pay special attention to the interest rate and repayment period, fees for setting up the mortgage as well as early repayment and cancellation fees.

If you cannot keep up the mortgage repayments, the Spanish bank may repossess your property in Spain. If the value of the property is less than the total debt outstanding (you are in negative equity), the bank may pursue your UK assets to recover the mortgage shortfall using a European Enforcement Order.

Make sure you fully understand the mortgage agreement you sign. If you have any doubts check with the branch during the 10 working-day period after the binding offer has been provided. If for any reason you cannot keep up the mortgage repayments, you should speak to your bank immediately (before defaulting on repayments) to discuss the options available (e.g. reduce your payments for a set period, extend your mortgage term to reduce your payments, charge you interest only for a set period).

Further information on mortgages in Spain is available from the Spanish Mortgage Association.

Mojacar Bedar Vera

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Call us on: 634 326 322 www.tritonspain.com

This information is aimed at B If you are interested in selling you need to pay when you bu or a non-resident, where you re-sale.

General inform

Britain has a double taxation ensure people do not pay tax on countries. However, taxation is is advisable to seek the advice adviser with comprehensive and both the UK and Spanish tax ru

If you buy a re-sale property y de Transmisiones Patrimoniale property through inheritance or will pay the Impuesto sobre S (ISD).

Additional costs: You should als to taxes, there are a range of oth a property in Spain including: notary fees legal fees estate agent’s fees

fees for a financial adviser (g manage y

fees for quantity s

mortgag include a arrangem an admin appoint a payment the title in

internatio You shou your bank

bank-gua If you ne guarantee charges w fees to ar

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

21

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our hat ry’s

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u o y e r o f e b w o n k o t t a . . .

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l advice which you should consider when contemplating investing in an

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British individuals (not companies) who are considering buying in Spain. g your Spanish property, please see our separate guidance. The taxes uy in Spain will vary depending on whether you are a resident in Spain ur property is located, the value of the property, whether it is new or a

information

agreement with Spain, to n the same income in both s a complex issue, and it e of an accountant or tax d up-to-date knowledge of ules.

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ge fees -these may a mortgage broker fee, an ment or opening fee, and nistrative fee for the bank to a representative to manage of taxes and inscription of n the property register

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aranteed cheque fee: eed to pay with a banked you should discuss the with your bank in advance rrange power of attorney if

required. Cost will vary depending on where you arrange it. If you arrange this in Spain the agreement needs to be witnessed by a notary furniture and shipping costs legal fees to make a will. If you buy a property in Spain it is advisable to have a will drawn up in Spain Once you have bought the property, there are various ongoing costs, including: IBI Tax: refuse collection and mains drainage (Basura y Alcantarillado) tax income tax (IPRF) or income tax for non-residents (IRNR)

KOALA

SALE NOW ON

FURNITURE

ON GARDEN FURNITURE AND SOFAS

optional fees for a financial adviser (gestor/asesor) in Spain to manage your tax returns community fees, if your property is part of a community of property owners mortgage repayment (if applicable) building and contents Insurance utilities set-up costs and bills Residency If you spend more than 183 days in Spain during the tax year (calendar year) you will become a Spanish tax resident liable for Spanish income tax (IRPF). These days do not have to be consecutive.

Tax identification number (Número de Identificación Fiscal) In Spain, all taxpayers are assigned a Tax Identification Number (NIF), which must appear on all tax returns and in all communications with the Agencia Tributaria (Spain’s Tax Agency). In general, for people with Spanish nationality, the NIF is the number of their National Identity card (Documento Nacional de Identidad - DNI) and, in the case of foreign nationals, the NIF is the same as the Foreign National’s Identification Number (NIE). However, those foreign citizens who do not have a NIE should request a NIF be assigned to them by the local Agencia Tributaria office.

POl.ND.EL REAL C/VENTE VACIO E-14 04628 ANTAS - ALMERIA TEL: 950 392 307 MOVIL: 617 478 344

www.KOALAFURNITURE.ES monday to friday 10:00 to 19:00 saturday 10:00 - 14:00

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

LEGAL CORNER

WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com Q. My husband deceased nine months ago in the U.K. with an English will, but no Spanish will. We had a holiday home in Spain in joint names. What do I have to do now?

A. As there is no Spanish will unfortunately it will be necessary to convalidate your husbands U.K. will and probate document for use in Spain.

The first step will be to obtain probate on the U.K. will. When this has been done it will be necessary to have Hague´s Apostille affixed to the U.K. documents and then have the translated and stamped by an official translator. When this has been done your solicitor in Spain will inform you if any further documents need to be obtained for the documents to be acceptable in Spain. (English wills very often refer to trusts, which cause complications and expense when convalidating for use in Spain).

In this case I am afraid your inheritance tax will be subject to surcharge as the time limit to deal with the tax office in Spain is 6 months unless you request and extension in writing within the first 5 months.

As you and the deceased are non residents of Spain, the inheritance tax is paid in Madrid, but no travelling is needed as your solicitor will have and agent in Madrid who for a very small fee will do the legwork in Madrid under the solicitors instructions.

The expense and timescale of the convalidation for use in Spain of the English documents will depend on the wording of the will.

To avoid complications in the future make sure you instruct your solicitor to prepare a Spanish will for yourself after you have finalized your acceptance of inheritance.

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

Residential Construction Permits Fell 24.4% to November February 3rd, 2014 A total of 31,404 licences were granted between January and November 2013, for permission to build new homes in Spain, representing a decrease of 24.4% over the same period of 2012 (when 41,575 were issued), and just one-tenth more than the previous month, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Development.

If the rate of applications in December maintains the same pace then the number of authorisations to build new homes will close 2013 with a new annual low of around 34,350 permits granted.

This volume of new construction, would amount to just 4% of the historic high registered in 2006 of 865,561 permits granted, and would accumulate seven consecutive years of declines.

In the first eleven months of 2013, of the total permits applied for, 66.3% were for apartments in blocks (20,824) and the rest for family

O

22

homes. The number of building permits for apartments dropped by 25.5% through to November over the same period of 2012, while permits for the construction of family homes fell by 22.1%.

According to El Economista, the Ministry of Development’s statistics also revealed a drop in the number of licence applications for home extensions and renovation work.

Between January and November, 21,109 permits were requested for home reforms, which is 2.2% less than in the same period of 2012, while the 1,730 applications for permits to extend homes represented a decline of 25.7%.

SOURCE: WWWNEWS.KYERO.COM

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV711

EL PINAR

(Bedar)

...it’s all in the detail

OLV390

This new and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse is located in the popular village of El Pinar, . This property boasts several terraces, sea views, a private garage, garden and use of two communal pools, 10 minutes from the beach.

ONLY ONE LEFT AT A KNOCK DOWN PRICE

NOW ONLY 59,950€

OLV378

bedar

(Serena)

This larger than average village house situated in the beautiful village of Serena is just a 5 minute drive from Bedar. It boasts 4 beds, 2 receptions rooms, room for a plunge pool and private garage and store room.

170.000€

TURRE This spacious 3 bed duplex is situated near all amenities in the town of Turre, less than 10 minutes from the beach, It has great views, parking and all furniture included. A great buy.

NOW ONLY 99,000€

OLV729

lubrin

South facing cortijo ripe for renovation, a 5 min drive from village of Rambla Aljibe, with a great bar/Restaurant. Once updated the property could make a fabulous lock up & leave holiday home, plenty of room in the garden for a swimming pool and a south facing aspect. Additional piece of land is now included in the sale, sizes tbc. A great buy!

Reduced to only 29,950€

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY2014

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23

Home Sweet Home property SERVICES

CALL 902 750 190

EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM David

665 517 643 Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN

energy performance certificates 121€ (VAT inc.)

Building/Structural Surveys from 350€ + VAT Certified Legal Reports - To quote Free Building Valuations from 150€ + VAT Antiquity Certificates 250€ + VAT consultation Pools - Garages - Room Additions 686 846 624 Store / Mechanical Rooms

architect Daniel González Aranda www.proinspectionreport.co.uk propertyinspectionreport@hotmail.com

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962

Urgently wanted properties for sale in the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, Taberno & San Juan de Los Terreros areas.

Call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa.100m from LIDL

www.vosshomesspain.com

DAMP PROOF SOLUTIONS ARE YOU FED UP WITH PEELING PAINT & RENDER COMING OFF YOUR GARDEN WALLS??

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Tel 677 700 843

O Olive

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant) Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

This wonderful 3 bedroom, detached villa is situated in a privileged location just a few minute’s walk into the beautiful and picturesque village of Bedar, 20 minutes from the coast. With its own gardens, private pool and fabulous sea views- Price open to near offers.

bedar 349,950€ ono

Mojacar - Bedar - Vera

Triton Pool cleaning prices from 60€ per month

Triton Property Services Triton Security Services When you want something done, professionally, reliably and on time then you need people who pride themselves on providing the service you need with total trust and commitment.

Pool Cleaning Landscaping Property Management Key Holding Property Maintenance Vacant Property Checks Gardening & Strimming Home SecurityImprovements Painting & Decorating Plus Home Care Services

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OLV741

Call us on: 634 326 322 www.tritonspain.com

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet fully legal company with public liability insurance Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

24

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

HIRE A HUSBAND

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Professional, reliable, handy man available...

...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Persianas, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

MOBILE VEHICLE VALETING PART & FULL VALETS - T CUTS & POLISHING - INTERIORS UPHOLSTERY CLEANING - SOFAS AND RUGS

Call Jim 677 557 190

References available & Pics of work completed

www.hireahusband.es

Bill’s Carpentry & Shop Fitting

Hanging Doors Flat Pack Furniture Fitting Kitchens - Tiling

No Job Too Small Free Quotations Tel: 633 507 165

swift transport

PAUL

MOBILE MECHANIC ALL AREAS COVERED

Wayne English

• Deliveries to / from UK • Monthly runs • Local deliveries also available

FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS, ITV TESTING

spain-uk-spain 07857 484886 Uk +34 618 511 234 Spain

full / part loads uk shopping swift.transport@rocketmail.com

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY QUALIFIED AND LEGAL DIESEL SPECIALIST

PAUL

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel: 617 150 300 or 850 993 057

trifenners@gmail.com

Carpentry&Construction Log-on-Tommy TJFully Team Qualified with over Clean ALL AREAS COVERED Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

now incorporating Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire “Sammy Sweep”

619 070 839

elite plant hire construction & drainage

• general builders • jcb 3cx hire • patios • roofing

• walls • paving • extensions • cladding

Digger Hire available references available

call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

25 years experience

TJOLIVER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK PIEDRA AMARILLA ALBOX, ALMERIA

619 584 405 635 979 829

COAST & INLAND Fully Legal Domestic & Commercial Cleaning going back to the UK? Window Cleaning, Don’t just lock up.

Painting & much more Let us look after your home.

Regular or One-Off Service Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502 E-mail: cleanteam.es@gmail.com www.cleanteamspain.com

Monthly contracts, one-off pool clean, summer contracts, Procare holiday rentals, pools sand changes, minor pools repairs and much more For VERY competitive rates call

642 370 681 or email:

procarepropertyservice@gmail.com

James & Son

POOL SHOP

Removals / Storage

UK, France & Spain personal shopping from the UK (Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates

950 529 731 / 627 968 434

British Plasterer • 8 years in Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es

City & Guilds & ACS qualifications, CORGI registered with 10 years experience

Chris: 637 82 97 87 / 618 06 20 80 Gas & Oil Fired Central Heating - Gas Appliances Plumbing - Servicing - Repairs - Installations

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Picture framing Canvas Printing Poster Prints Document Reduction

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on selected items FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

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35 years experience - Fully legal - Est 10 years in Spain

Walls to Wardrobes Painting to Patios Coving to Cladding

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- Certificates, references & photographs - No work sub-letted Office: 950 437 053 / Mob: 628 650 598

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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Microvinyas:

Ethical vineyards producing wine for the common good

Wine producers in Spain are pioneering a collective approach, where investors can buy a small plot and produce their own vintages from the vines there The idea of making your own wine conjures up images of plastic tubing and vats bubbling away in airing cupboards.

There’s a bootlegging vibe to it, which has its attractions, particularly after reports at the end of last year that we’re facing a “wine shortage”, but these don’t necessarily include the taste of the end product.

However, what if making your own wine conjured up images, instead, of a valley in Southern Europe, snowtopped mountains in the distance, olive and almond groves climbing up the hillsides and an abandoned, 100-yearold vineyard, that you’d bought for less than the price of a used Ford Mondeo?

Juan Cascant, the co-owner of a winery called Celler La Muntanya in El Comtat, a northern corner of Alicante, Spain, is sceptical that there is any looming “wine shortage” (and he’s far from alone). He is, however, very open to the idea of outsiders buying vineyards in the region.

Cascant’s business is based on what he calls, in the local Valencian language, microvinyas, 28 small-holdings, each of less than a hectare, which supply the Celler with grapes. In Argentina a winery called Vines of Mendoza run a scheme which encourages wealthy foreigners to buy a small plot of land and, under professional supervision, produce their own label wine. Why couldn’t the Celler, he wonders, help, say, a “retired doctor from London” do the same thing in El Comtat?

At times Cascant makes winemaking sound implausibly easy. He comes from an architecture background and says that when he and his business partner, Toni Boronat, started out 10 years ago they were just “playing”. Armed with secateurs to take cuttings, they visited a friend who had an abandoned vineyard and, a few years later, they had produced wines that were lauded by critics including The Wine Advocate.

“Everyone knows how to make wine,” he shrugs, “you crush the grapes and then ferment them. When we tried what we’d made after the first year, though, it was pretty good.” Good enough, in fact, that it was given an impressive 90 points by Spain’s best known guide Peñin (90-94 out of 100 means “outstanding: a wine of superior character and style”). However, it’s clearly not quite as simple as he makes it sound.

“There was a cooperative that would buy the grapes here in the past,” he admits, “without thinking about the quality of the wine or the authenticity. It was as if you have a beautiful jewel you sell by weight.”

Currently most of the 28

microvinyas sell their grapes directly to the Celler. However, there are already three that, although they’re still letting the experts make the wine, plan to market it under their own label.

One of these is owned by another local architect, Beatriz Vicent Ripoll.

Her family have half a hectare of land, not far from the medieval town of Cocentaina, which, under advice from the Celler, they have planted with monastrell and garnacha tintorera grapes, as well as French import syrah.

Visiting her at the vineyard, shortly after the harvest, it’s clear that, even if you’re not relying on wine to make a living, it can still be a stressful business.

She doesn’t know how much money they have spent over the past three years but Cascant estimates it’s up to €9,000. A chunk of that investment could be lost with one bad summer. “There was a moment this year when the grapes still hadn’t ripened,” she says, looking out over the bare vines. “You don’t know if it’s going to start to rain and it can all start to rot. You’re thinking: ‘All that work and we could lose it!’” Still, Cascant also estimates that, with the 2,500 vines they have planted, the Vicent Ripoll family should be able to sell 3,500 bottles a year. Could they eventually make a profit? “This isn’t going to feed us,” says Vicent Ripoll. “But it’s something more romantic. It’s about restoring the value of this land that was abandoned.”

That’s because the microvinyas project is about more than just money.

It’s partly inspired by the ideas of Austrian economist Christian Felber and his Economy For The Common Good, which argues that no business can be regarded as profitable unless it profits the whole community. To be allowed to use the microvinyas label producers have to sign up to pay workers fairly, use grape varieties appropriate to the region, respect the environment and support the community.

The “retired doctor” is not going to get rich quick, then. Particularly as many experts have argued that the so-called “wine shortage” is about as plausible as any other appeal to “buy now, while stocks last”. “It might not seem profitable,” says Cascant. “But if you think about people who want to own an ethical vineyard, they’re searching for another kind of profitability. They want the satisfaction of having their own wine and coming to a beautiful place to enjoy it. It’s not sustainable unless you make money, but people buy wine in order to enjoy it. We’re just putting enjoyment in there right from the start.”

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

25

Weird and Wonderful

Photographer Christopher Schlaf says he couldn’t help but laugh when he captured this Belted Kingfisher with a dinner almost as big as him. But the bird proved it hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew when he gobbled it right up

Larger than life lanterns inspired by the Terracotta Warriors, created by artist Xia Nan for the Beijing Olympics, are lit up at Edinburgh university as they go on show for the first time in Scotland.

These horses galloping along a beach look real - but they’re made from thousands of pieces of driftwood. The lifesize sculptures are the work of British craftsman James Doran-Webb and took six months to create in the Philippines where he has lived for the last 26 years

Adventurous gardeners are paying up to £2,500 for quirky bird boxes shaped like cricket stumps, a giant padlock, a drinks can or even a lawn mower. Prices start at £150 for the extraordinary homes for garden birds made by skilled Essex woodworkers Eric Simonds and Den Humphrey.

This young seal looks as if it is still suffering a New Year’s hangover. Wildlife photographer Richard Bowler captured the groggy-looking grey seal waking up after storms at Horsey in Norfolk Source: http://web.orange.co.uk/

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

1 Climbing tall hills (14) 10 Furies (5) 11 Acquit (9) 12 Ultimately (7) 13 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 14 A sloping edge on a cutting tool (5) 16 Nosebleed (9) 19 Bankrupt (9) 20 Hollowed out (5) 22 A rope for a sail (7) 25 Instructions on

food preparation (7) 27 Barrier (9) 28 Swampy lake (5) 29 Slides used with overhead projectors (14) Down 2 Coordinates (9) 3 Relating to the nose (5) 4 Welder’s fuel (9) 5 Hangman’s knot (5) 6 Industrious (9) 7 A Rocky

Mountain state (5) 8 Suppositions (7) 9 Pre-built (6) 15 Bedtime song (9) 17 Interpose (9) 18 Plant adapted for limited water (9) 19 Live or dwell (7) 21 A field event (6) 23 Insect stage (5) 24 A literary genre (5) 26 Boxlike (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

court, without returning supernatural being (7) 7 Additional part of complex traverse (5) 8 Football team’s Midwest snack (9) 12 Shred a bit of meat in church (5) 14 Empty liquid from man in empty brickyard (5) 15 Sound reproduction equipment, if seen in greeting (2-2) 16 First men Bourne destroyed (6,3) 17 Hamlet, perhaps, is tragic, with no time to flip (5) 18 Present soldier with paper (4) 19 Hope raised, in part, for musical drama (5) 21 Something given in part exchange for tin, without a red Down composition (5-2) 2 Ethereal antenna (6) 22 Student initially tries to get cutting tool (6) 3 Financial gain from 24 A professional bearing part of the stage (5) cruel fabrication (5) 4 Strength for exam?

25 Prices crash - no end of trouble for provisional No way! (5) certificate (5) 5 Lacework comes before end of student’s 26 Boredom in French University is cut short, with new head coming to the front (5) splendour (5) 6 Vary the pitch in 27 Vertical pipe to get up before summer’s end (5)

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

squiggle

standard

squiggle SUDOKU

Across

Across 1 Producing refashioned cell accommodation?

(4,2,9) 9 One selling foodstuffs said to be more unpleasant (6) 10 Left one boy in charge from birth to death? (8) 11 Flower-head came out in extremely ramshackle surroundings (6) 13 An entry into European river, turning round to make something possible (6) 17 Parts of submarines not screwing on, perhaps (7,6) 20 Region of physical space deflecting aim off (8,5) 23 Mistakes in printing a kind of shirt in rare trouble (6) 26 They are almost made to be coarse (6) 28 Listen unknown above this place, say (8) 29 Car-maker is second to be taken in by grandmother (6) 30 Plant making level and stiffly formal girl (7,8)

easy SUDOKU

STANDARD CROSSWORD

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

standard SUDOKU

26

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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27

SolPUZZLES

Q&A

Logic Puzzle

Logic Puzzle SOLUTIon

19. What sport was at the centre of Death In The Afternoon by Ernest Hemmingway? ...........................................................................

20. On which group of Scottish islands would you find the neolithic village of Skara Brae? ...........................................................................

There are 5 houses in 5 different colours.

In each house lives a person of a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet. Using the clues below can you determine who owns the fish?

The Brit lives in a red house.

The Swede keeps dogs as pets.

The Dane drinks tea.

The green house is on the immediate left of the white house.

The green house owner drinks coffee.

The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.

The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.

The man living in the house right in the middle drinks milk.

The Norwegian lives in the first house.

The man who smokes Blend lives next door to the one who keeps cats.

The man who keeps horses lives next door to the man who smokes Dunhill.

The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.

The German smokes Prince.

The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.

The man who smokes Blend has a neighbour who drinks water.

Nationality: Norweg, Dane, Brit, German, Swede Colour:, Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, White Beverage: water, tea, milk, coffee, beer Smokes: Dunhill, Blend, Pall Mall, Prince, Blue Master Pet: cats, horses, birds, fish, dogs

1. Which Carry On star died on the stage of the Sunderland Empire in 1976? ...............................................................................

2. What colour are the 5 Olympic rings? ...............................................................................

3. Which animal is South African rugby union player Bryan Habana often compared to? ...............................................................................

4. Which rugby union team won the 2007 EDF energy cup? ...............................................................................

5. In which film did the song White Christmas first feature? ...............................................................................

6. Which TV character has sisters called Daisy and Rose? ...............................................................................

7. Was the West German currency introduced in East Germany before or after re-unification in 1990? ...............................................................................

8. Who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 football World Cup? ...............................................................................

9. The word HENNA can be made using the periodic symbols of which three elements? ...............................................................................

10. Which football team has the nickname of the Bluebirds? ...............................................................................

11. Which football team has the nickname of `the Blades`? ...............................................................................

12. In the board game Cleudo, whose murder has to be solved? ...............................................................................

13. If you walked one mile south, one mile west, and then one mile north, and ended up where you started, where would you be? ...............................................................................

14. Who were the two voice artists of the cartoon characters Dangermouse and his sidekick Penfold? ...............................................................................

15. The Savoy Grill, the Boxwood Café at the Berkeley Hotel and Maze are all restaurants owned by which famous chef? ...............................................................................

16. Which South American country will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup? ...............................................................................

17. In which North Amercan city is there a neighbourhood known as Hell`s Kitchen? ...............................................................................

18. In which city were the 1940 Olympic Games scheduled to take place before being cancelled due to war? ...............................................................................

~ quotes ~ e of humour, “There’s terrific merit in having no sens anything at of e sens no ly no sense of irony, practical defects you lled so-ca e thes with born e you’r If all. the top.” - Peter have a very good chance of getting to Cook st the “Humour is just another defense again universe.” - Mel Brooks - when you “A pun is the lowest form of humour nt Leva r Osca ” first! don’t think of it ’t hurt won it you g tellin “Happiness is your dentist the drill.” in hand his catch him ng havi then and Johnny Carson Teach him “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. weekend.” how to fish and you get rid of him all Zenna Scha ffer htier than the sword, and mig is “The pen .” - Marty considerably easier to write with Feldman to keep your “Never pass up an opportunity ler Mil l Pau t.” shu mouth heard the yet not has last “He who laughs bad news.” - Bertolt Brecht wasted.” “A day without laughter is a day Charlie Chaplin n they “I like long walks, especially whe - Noel me.” are taken by people who annoy Coward begin to smell after three , fish like , “Guests jamin Franklin Ben days.” can “Martyrdom is the only way a man rge - Geo become famous without ability.”

Bernard Shaw

SCUBA Diving

Find and circle all of the SCUBA Diving words that are hiddden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the meaning of the letters SCUBA.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Q&A ANWERS:

AIR PRESSURE ALTITUDE DIVING ANOXIA ATMOSPHERE BAROTRAUMA BOOTIES BOUNCE DIVE BUBBLES BUDDY SYSTEM BOUYANCY C CARD COMPASS COMPRESSOR CORAL REEF CURRENT DECOMPRESSION DEPTH GAUGE DIVE COMPUTER DIVE FLAG DIVE MARSHAL DRYSUIT EDDY EMBOLISM GAS CYLINDER GAS MIXTURE GIANT STRIDE HELIOX HOSE HYPOTHERMIA LEEWARD LUNGS MASK MEMBRANE MOUTHPIECE NARCOSIS NEOPRENE NITROGEN NITROX

OCEAN OXYGEN PANIC REBREATHER RECOMPRESSION REGULATOR SCOOTER SEA LEVEL

SHEARS SHOAL SILICONE SNORKEL SPEAR GUN STROBE SWIM FINS SWIMMING

TANK THE BENDS TIDE TOXICITY TRIMIX UNDERSEA UNDERSUIT UNDERTOW

VALVE VISION VOLUME WATER WEIGHT BELT WEIGHTS WETSUIT WINDWARD

Sid James Blue, Yellow, Black, Green & Red Cheetah Leicester Tigers Holiday Inn Hyacinth Bucket Before Gary Lineker (He) Helium (N) Nitrogen (Na) Sodium Cardiff City Sheffield United Dr Black`s The North Pole David Jason and Terry Scott Gordon Ramsay Brazil New York Tokyo Bullfighting in Spain The Orkneys

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

28 SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Tasty food for everyday, special occasions and for sharing with friends buy 1 meal, get 1 half price throughout January eat in only

Slow cooker minestrone Friday 7th February at 9pm

abbie lou

Valentines Evening friday 14th february

dee sharp duo

This hearty Italian soup is made with pasta and beans and finshed with a generous sprinkling of parmesan.

Ingredients

100g/3½oz smoked, dry-cured lardons 2 carrots, roughly chopped 2 sticks celery, sliced 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, needles finely chopped 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tbsp tomato purée 400g/14oz can chopped plum tomatoes 1.2 litres/2 pints good-quality chicken stock 400g/14oz can cannellini beans in water, rinsed and drained 50g/1¾oz spaghetti, snapped into short lengths 100g/3½ head baby leaf or spring greens, thickly shredded Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 25g/1oz parmesan, grated

Preparation method

Restaurant

CHARITY DISCO NIGHT

OX

ALB

Saturday 22nd Feb - 7:30pm ‘til Late Supporting our community Hosted by Mark Deacon

5€ includes a buffet

Friday & Saturday 6pm - 9pm

Menu del noche & a la Carte Menu available Waiter service Booking Recommended

home-made Sunday lunches served noon - 5pm

Book our function room with private patio garden for your parties, weddings, birthdays etc.

Please call into Jacks or phone to discuss your BUFFET OR MENU REQUIREMENTS, OR JUST A CHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU

OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

SEE OUR MAP ON PAGE 30

Put a large frying pan over a low heat, add the lardons and cook for 10 minutes until crisp, golden and the fat has run from the meat. Transfer onto a plate.

Tip the carrots, celery and onion into the bacon fat and fry for two minutes before adding the garlic, herbs and tomato purée. Cook for one minute, then add the tomatoes and most of the stock. Bring to the boil. Carefully transfer the soup to a slow cooker, cover with the lid, then cook on high for four hours until the vegetables are tender.

Stir the beans and pasta into the soup, adding the rest of the stock if it seems overly thick. Scatter the shredded greens over the top of the soup, then re-cover with the lid. Cook for 30 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir in the greens, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then serve in bowls with a drizzle of oil and plenty of parmesan.

how to cook the perfect rice

Long-grain or basmati rice should be light and fluffy when perfectly cooked.

To make sure you get good results every time, wash the rice in cold water until it runs clear. Drain the rice and put into a medium saucepan. Pour in water so that it covers the rice by 1.5cm/5/8in. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat so that the water is simmering. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

White rice will cook in 1012 minutes. When ready to serve, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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Send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com and we’ ll place them in Bon A ppetit

air-conditioned

La

VidaRestaurant&Venue el Cucador

valentine dinner dance saturday 15th February from 7pm

music & Dancing with

Chocolate crumb puddings

Twilight Shadows from 9pm

from

with a dark chocolate centre, served with white chocolate sauce

special valentine menu

8.95€

Add “Chocolate crumb puddings with a dark chocolate centre, served with white chocolate sauce” to FavouritesAdd to Favourites

14.95€

call or email to book your table

booking recommended

booking essential

Friday 14th February

traditional sunday lunch

Ingredients For the chocolate crumb puddings 50g/2oz good-quality dark chocolate, broken into 8 pieces, plus 8 extra squares of chocolate, to serve 75g/3oz butter or margarine, plus extra for greasing 75g/3oz caster sugar 1 large free-range egg, separated 1 tsp vanilla extract 110g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 50g/2oz self-raising flour 4-5 tbsp milk For the white chocolate sauce 110g/4oz good-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces 142ml/5fl oz double cream

Preparation method

Grease four ramekins with butter. Set aside.

29

milk, as necessary, to loosen the mixture.

(The mixture should be of dropping consistency.)

Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed.

Carefully fold the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

Whisking egg whites Divide half of the pudding mixture among the prepared ramekins. Put two squares of dark chocolate on top of each portion, then cover each with the remaining chocolate pudding mixture.

Cover each ramekin with aluminium foil.

Prepare a steamer with 2.5cm/1in of boiling water. Add the covered ramekins and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Steaming a pudding Meanwhile, for the white chocolate sauce, bring a little water to the boil in a pan, then reduce the heat until the water is simmering. Suspend a heatproof bowl over the water (do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water).

Add the white chocolate and cream and stir until smooth, melted and well combined. (Do not allow the mixture to boil). Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Keep warm.

To serve, turn out the chocolate crumb puddings onto serving plates. Drizzle over the white chocolate sauce.

For the chocolate crumb puddings, bring a little water to the boil in a pan, then reduce the heat until the water is simmering. Suspend a heatproof bowl over the water. Do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water. Add the 50g/2oz of chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter (or margarine) and the sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat the cooled melted chocolate, egg yolk and vanilla into the creamed butter and sugar until well combined.

Creaming butter by hand Mix the breadcrumbs and flour together. Fold half of the breadcrumb mixture into the chocolate mixture, then carefully plus a take away stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bottle of crianza red milk. wine Fold the remaining couple per breadcrumb mixture into Valid only with this voucher the chocolate mixture, Mon Sat: 19.00 - 22.00 then fold in the remaining

Mesón de

Irene

valentine night menu

#

have our

Special Valentine’s Night Menu ee 11.

Thrurse per p 95€ erson Co eal M

served 12.30PM-5PM

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate

call or email to book your table

booking essential

evening menu

Saturday 8th February

paella night

OUR MAIN MENU INCLUDES 16oz STEAKs ~ MIXED GRILL ~ FRESH FISH Menu changes weekly please ask for our daily specials fri – SAT EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM

fish paella 8.50€ pp meat paella 7.50€ pp (min 2 persons)

HOMEMADE STARTE & SCRUMPTIOUS HOMERS MADE DESSERTS from 3.00€ each!

pre booking essential

Cucador La el

VidaBar

NOW SHOWING Saturdays &Sundays

LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Monday special wednesday supper NEW

Chilli Night

5€

TUESDAY special Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

5€

homemade burger, Chips & Salad Home cooked Ham, Chips & Salad

5.50€

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

5.50€

SERVED 6-9PM

Beer battered cod

homemade chips & peas

from

5.95€ in the Bar

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

lite bite snacks

open every day open for lunch 12pm - 4PM specials, burgers, wraps 12pm - late

menu del dia 2 COURSE LUNCH 12:30-3:30PM 6€

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas 1km

Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547

Huercal Overa

30

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Valentine’s Messages If you would like us to include a message to your loved one next issue - then send us your Valentine’s messages to:

Wish your Friends & Loved Ones a Happy birthday, anniversary or just send them a special message.

Send details to production@soltimes.com or call Mark on 693 774 932

production@soltimes.com (Max 15 words)

Burty’s BAR

come & enjoy

Playa Serena, roquetas de mar

valentines’s

Mon - thu 11am - close and sat 1pm - close Sun 11am - 5pm Closed friday

rrace e t y n n u s e g u h un! s r e t n i w h t i w

free

brand new menu see bar for details Wednesday bingo 3pm

Tapas served from 1 pm

every thursday - quiz 2.15pm prompt

sunday roast served from 1.30pm every week booking advisable

anglican church service 3rd thursday of the month 11.30am next service 20th february

next table top sale 23rd february call to book a table

Opposite Playa Luna Hotel between Oasis & Mar y Sol. Tel: 679 156 715

day

Typical French Cuisine Special Menus Fresh Fish of the Day Taste our French Wines

Menu Of the day 7.50€ Find us on Facebook Open 12 noon - 17.00, 19.30 to close Telephone 651 481 190 Email: mikaela_cretu@yahoo.com Avenida playa Serena 24, Roquetas de mar urbanisation, near the playa sol hotel

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

ROQUETAS DE MAR LLOYD Sylvia Joan

congratualtions

Former professional Ice Skating Star Passed peacefully away after a very long illness always bravely borne, on the 31-01-2014 aged 69 years.

Funeral took place on Sunday 2nd February.

Don’t think of her as gone away, Her journey’s just begun, Life holds so many facts, This earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting, From the sorrows and tears, In a place for warmth and comfort, Where there are no days and no years, Think how she must be wishing, That we could know today, How nothing but our sadness, Can really pass away.

Now think of her as living, In the hearts of those she touched, For nothing loved is ever lost, And she was loved so much.

Thanks to Doctor Sanchez & all the nursing team at Pontiente for their care & attention. A very special thanks to Gina (of The Little Red Lion) a wonderful, wonderful, friend, nurse & carer who went the extra miles in looking after Sylvia both at home & in hospital, also Thomas & Jose for their understanding.

Always in our thoughts & forever in our hearts you will always stay. Ralph, Mary, & family, Patrick, Patricia, and Symon. Matthew, Geordie, John & Olga. Danny & Pauline, Bryan & Ginny, Jason & Laura, Louis & Joseph, Ana & Manolo, Antonio, Maria, & Lorraine, plus she was always a very special Auntie to Reece and Keira.xxx

on the safe arrival of

Baby sophia January 26th 2014at 3.56am 9 pounds, 4 ounces

with love Nana Alice wishing you a happy birthday nik loads of love soph paul & kids

happy birthday

nicola

have a breat day 42 today

love mum & Dad xxx

SOCIEDAD PROTECTORA DE ANIMALES DE ROQUETAS DE MAR

31

nOTICE bOARD Saturday 1st March y da wakes re-opens ---------------------------------------

Roquetas Bridge Club meets on Monday’s at 3pm. For more info please contact Alison Ferguson 950349749 or Sue Barlow 950 333 344

estampa Tapas Bar nny outdoor Spacious su eating 24 terrace s TV SKY

Tapas/Snacks English Breakfast Fish & Chips Coffees & Cakes Cocktails/Sangria

sky sports shown here

FREE WI-FI Open 10am - late (Closed Tuesday) Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160

STORY ONE The shelter, faced with an ever increasing puppy population at the shelter, decided that something had to be done to give the puppies a good chance of being adopted. The problem of the avalanche of puppies into the shelter had to be solved. Since the shelter at SOCIEDAD PROTECTORA DE ANIMALES DE ROQUETAS DE MAR can only be reached by car, the only solution was take the puppies to the possible adopters. An agreement was reached with MUNDO PELUDINES, near Gran Plaza, who generously set up a big playing area for the puppies in their facilities.Last Saturday, people were able to come, touch, caress and generally commune with the puppies. It was a success story and six puppies were adopted at the event.

Naturally,a careful screening process was carried out by the experienced helpers of the shelter.The puppies, for the first time in their short little lives, had a big area to run around in and had lots of toys to play with.

STORY TWO ELEFANT, a strikingly handsome MASTINO male, was left at the shelter a few weeks ago by the social agents of Vicar. Soon it became evident that ELEFANT is a MISOGYNIST, in other words he does not like women, and growls when they come near him, whereas men can caress and touch him without any problem. However, a French woman saw his picture in Facebook and was captured by his good looks. The shelter’s volunteers are now working with ELEFANT to help him overcome his aversion to women and he is making big improvements. Hopefully soon he can be sent to his mistress in France.

STORY 3 MATRIOSKA, a lovely galga (Spanish greyhound) was left abandoned at the shelter in an advanced state of pregnancy. Shortly after she arrived at the shelter, she gave birth on December 26th 2013 to 10 adorable puppies. A month has gone by since then and so far all of the puppies have survived, due to the good care of their mother. It is too early to decide whetherthe puppies are going to resemble the father who is unknown, but they are so cute and pretty that the shelter hopes to find them families as soon as they have been vaccinated.

FTG Notice

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet up at 1.00pm each week (Friday) and the venues over the next few weeks are as follows:

7th February - Bar Ana, C/Sierra Nevada.

14th February - Marc’s Bar, Roquetas Urb 21st February - Estampa, Roquetas Urb

Anyone is welcome to join the happy bunch and have a laugh, exchange views and ideas. The more, the merrier and the bar owners enjoy it too!

Come and try the Quiz at Lady Lay. Anyone can win as demonstrated by this photo of last week’s winner!!

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING ‘POPPY APPEAL’ FUND RAISING EVENTS ROQUETAS DE MAR BRANCH 3569

Tuesday 4th March -3pm Social meeting. Quiz & Raffle.

Tuesday 1st April - 3pm Social meeting.

All monies raised at these afternoons will be for the 2014 Poppy Appeal New members are most welcome to join the branch, so please contact the Chairman on 950328469 or any member of the Committeeforfurthermembership details. Branch meetings are held at ‘The Lodge’ on Calle Americo Vespucio, Roquetas De Mar, on the first Tuesday of each month, at 3.00pm.

32

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

see us online

everyday FOR SALE

advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: sales@soltimes.com PCP 177 (pre charged pnuematic) air arms classic, excellent condition. case & extras inc

7 50 € ono have scope worth 400€ & 3 tins of ammunition, gas bottle & all extras included. registered with Arboleas police Tel: 608 050 036 i n k 1925) , small and cartridges large. Tel: 666 refills or buy a 400 120 compatable at great prices. we love to save you money. ics shop inside liberty seguros insurance, calle malaga (next to puppy rescue) or call 609 199 394

C re a m le a t h er a rmc h a i r ( v e r y comfortable) free of charge. Tel: 634 328 142

C H E S T FREEZER 12cu.

Ft. Good Working C a n n o n Order. 50€ Tel: Printer Model 950 475 085 MP 250 20€, [Turre] Tel: 677 543 031 TWO NEW Mojacar S T Y L ISH

New Kitchen w orktop , surplus to requirements 64.mm depth by 160.mm long 20€ Tel: 677 543 031 Mojacar

L ADI E S WETSUITS (still labelled) One full-length (grey/ turquoise) one short(pinks/reds).

Size 14. Bargain at 90€ for both. separate. s pe a ker s Will p r o f e s s i o n a l Tel: 650 442 462 Musicians / D O U B L E Theatre Group BED. Antique Two PIONEER p i n e / w r o u g h t HPM 100 watt iron scrollwork 6 0 x 4 0 x 4 0 bedframe with Including mobile superior spring stands €65 Tel: interior cream 950 410 615 mattress. All by Pine. table lamps Durham twice Original French Used Art Deco (1920- only. Matching

Dorma full length curtains, duvet set, runner and cushions. All as new. Bed alone cost over £750.

Bargain at 300€ the lot. Tel: 650 442 462

SOL CLASSIFIEDS business for sale

available venues

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332 sales@soltimes.com

construction CONT...

business for sale Venue @ La Vida in turre

busy modern

hair & beauty salon

existing clientel, low rent all fixtures & fittings included Legitimate reason for sale phone for more details

644 496 198

El Cucador

950 634 562 950 120 718 baby equipment hire

wanted

DJ WANTED

Call Brian 634 305 132 Air-con

M O R P HY MD Air-Conditioning R I C HA R DS & Refrigeration S.L. Club Edition City & Guilds Fully Qualified Trouser Press.

F-Gas Certified 25 years sole experience in 3 setting variable S.L Air Conditioning & Refrigeration timer, removable jacket hanger, trinket try and For all your installation or service 13amp socket for requirements MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers including our latest info@md-aircon.com hairdryer/shaver. telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 Wall mounted 607 364 917 or 950 432 110 or free standing. email: info@md-aircon.com M a h o g a n y md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es with brass finish. Excellent Airport services condition. Little used. Cost over www.AAparking.es 250€.

Bargain Tel: 639 081 067 Transport?? at 60€. Tel: 650 Cheap 442 462 Airport Airport Parking services S i n gle Alicante Almeria Murcia shopping Sl u mber New trips land Duvet Servicing / Repairs hospital (natural filling) plus covers and A i rport appointments tr a n s f er s etc pillowcases (still pick up all areas, in wrapping). c o m p e t i t i v e 663 429 521 Total cost over rates. For a professional please visit £80, accept 25€. quote www. spanish reliable Tel: 650 442 462 e s t a t e a g e n t . service 2x 2 seater com or call 661 143 871 beige leather sofas. excellent alternative energy condition, little Solar Wind Power Solutions. used. £150 for Over 15 years installation both te:.634 305 experience. established 12 Call Phil 393 after 5pm years in Spain. for competitive prices 636 261 240 please. email:info@sunergyalmeria.com titleist golf www.sunergy almeria.com bag, excellent carlos saliente plumbing condition with & heating for solar pool heating, head cover & solar hot water installations and carry strap, repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 black/white €55 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ tel: 634 392 199 gmail.com

MD

not a jack of all trades

Need

in Albox

Private parties Private parties Birthday etc, Birthday etc, all events all events catered for Installations and supplies of: catered for Plasterboard • ceilings call for more call Bar for more screens • wallpaper information: information Tel: 675 986 622

BABY HIRE

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

ballroom dancing

calvet@calvetinstalaciones.es www.calvetinstalaciones.es

drainage

Drainage Solutions

• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

Tea room ballroom dancing Established 9 years in spain Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

sequence with jean & derek at

La

el Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue mondays 3-5pm

all levels welcome LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying single or couples enjoyable afternoon to meet • Installation of new septic new friends tanks with certificates for more info call • Repairs to existing pozos 950 449 617

carpentry

for all your carpentry needs

• CCTV Camera Inspection Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587

Call B& B designs on 646 101 712

Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net

WILDWOOD Bespoke Joinery

Cleaning of Septic Tanks

For all your carpentry requirements

Fast, efficient, competitive service.

Tel: 634 328 574 james@wildwood.es chimney sweep The Chimney sweep, for a friendly professional service Call Paul on : 617 150 300 or 850 993 057.

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900

▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808 electrician

CD electrical SERVICES Rewires & Upgrades - Fault Finding - Boletins

Emergency Call Outs for all your electrical needs!!! air conditioning & ALARMS

Call: 617 410 534or 662 414 043 info@cdelectricalservices.com www.cdelectricalservices.com

Check out our genuine reviews on

www.viva-almeria.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com equipment hire

HOME HELP/CARER Mature Irish Lady Home Help/ Cleaning In Mojacar & Surrounding Areas. Experienced & Can Supply References. Reasonable Rates. Call Yvonne 634369053

insurance

albox

gardening

potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning, including all types of palm trees

strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting

insurance est 7 years Award winning agent For all your Insurance Needs Please contact

Glenn & jayne 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

iron/metal works The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/ roller, rejas, concertina doors etc. Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949

T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, railings, rejas, staircases, gazebos & chainlink fencing Tel: 950 431 738

legal

spanish registered. ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

landscape gardening

• Block work • Balustrades • Paving Driveways & Paths Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate

620 112 193 or 667 853 062 heating

Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services.

If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962

hobby/craft

ELAINE’S WOOLS

PAINTER / DECORATOR

painter & decorator

friendly - professional -reliable neat & tidy - experienced no job too small

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

Quality UK Wool & Accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY. OPTICIANS Also Available at CAT Services & Optica Albox All your optical Total Entertainment Call 667 273 889 needs, eye tests, hearing tests, elaineswools@gmail.com contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

British

For all your plumbing needs Fully Qualified heating engineer

plasterer

All work

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

634 327 201

Tel: 649 186 107 or

PAINTING INSIDE & OUT All quality products

Make over your home this year

Tel Graham & Barry on 620 112 193 or 667 853 062

locksmith

Phil Delivers

plumbing

guaranteed

If you wish us to print an article about a particular Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to topic in our regular space view ministry approved on pg 22, please email Tracy Mobile 650 211 952 info@daviessolicitors.com

logs

PLASTERER

ring for a free quote

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery - arboleas

load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of health & beauty eucalyptus, no roots €160 all loads avon cosmetics Tel Claire 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding 691 987 454 avonfromclaire areas Call Lee on 636 092 632, @yahoo.es eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk pamper yourself at R Retreat El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, waxing, pedicure etc. Therapists all established & UK qualified.

Email retreatcucador.gmail.com or call 647 379 878 for a full listing of treatments or look at our main advert on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

pets section

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

33

Tel Paul C A R L O S SA L I E N T E Plumbing and Heating offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters for just €65 – aguafuerte is not the answer!

Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos. saliente@gmail. com

contact barry 667 853 062 or graham 620 112 193

KNOWLES plumbing No 1 for Plumbing

All types of Plumbing

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

PROPERTY section

Specialising in rural property with character Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at www.findmeahome.es facebook.com/findmeahome

APARTMENT FOR RENT dog & grooming parlor VERA SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL Bath • Hygiene • grooming 616 857 429 mimopeluqueriacanina@gmail.com Camino San Roque, Albox

pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

No need for kennels or cattery Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & local area.

Call Vanessa 637 061 482 Pilates

pilates

with Sharon O’Lanlon every Wednesday 11am - 12 all welcome all levels at La Vida, El Cucdor Call for more details 638 487 314 fully UK reg: 25 years experience

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

advertise your property

detatched cortijo

reduced

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. €135,000 ono 649 186 107 BARGAIN For sale.

One bedroom apartment in La Envia Golf.

Fully furnished.

Ready for rental. Superb investment opportunity.

Offers based on 35,000€.

No timewasters please.

Call 663 426 921

From just 10€ per week!

Your property will appear as shown above and be seen by almost 55,000 Sol Times readers!

Tel: Paulette on 950 121 936

34

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

removals

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain

Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@ hotmail.com

yoga

De Lima’s

removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

safe & secure transport UK - SPAIN - UK to & from uk

thermal lined & controlled ventilation ideal for pets

200€ dog 100€ cats & birds heavy loads welcome

4700kg with speed limiter fixed price quotes fully legal operation shop & offices to visit px goods to offset costs

From a parcel to a small house move Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 call: 634 368 430 +44 (0) 7977 754 389

Yoga with Liz Hill every Wednesday 2pm - 4pm at La Vida El Cucador over 20 years experiences UK trained All levels welcome call Liz for more info on 667 979 445

satellite/ television

swimming pools

A1 Sky Television Systems,

Pro Care Pools

Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc. Coming soon UKTV without a dish Call for more info.

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

Tel: 642 370 681

email: procare property service@ gmail.com

SOLTIMES Question?

Van hire

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

number plates

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

covering all areas, fully qualified & legal, over 30 years experience, Call Paul on 617 150 300

Have unlimited opportunity at affordable rates?

CONTACT US

Tel: 902 750 190

or email webmaster@soltimes.com

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

situations WANTED

young english couple would like to continue living in Spain & require work

All jobs considered

labouring, gardening, office, driving etc please contact Daniel or Rachael on 634 368 071 rachelchalmers83@yahoo.co.uk

CLASSIC S-TYPE V6 JAG 1999 3 litre petrol automatic executive 4 door saloon. 140,000 miles, 2 owners. Full luxury spec.

Electric sun roof, tow bar, excellent condition. UK reg. taxed until August 2,500€ for quick sale 697 581 734

car for sale

EX RENTAL CARS FOR SALE

2004 Kia Carens Large estate car diesel.....................€4000

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates

Send your CV to rob@soltimes.com

car/bike for sale

2004 Opel Corsa AUTOMATIC.....................................€3000

E

A great opportunity for the right person. Working in our busy, friendly Zurgena offices with hours to suit.

Must be able to use Indesign and Photoshop and work with networks

Direct customers to your website?

mobile mechanics

Mobile motor mechanic

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT REQUIRED

Want to grow your business?

motoring section car & van hire

situations vacant

2005 Skoda Fabia diesel...............................................€3000 2005 Renault Kangoo diesel choice of two..................€3500

In our last issue the sale price of this vehicle was accidently printed Mercedes A Class incorrectly.

170cdi. 2003. Silver we are sorry Automatic. Full Leather Interior.

A/C, E/W, RHD, GB Plates. for any 1500€ for quick sale inconveniance Tel: 950 609 542 or 627 196 895 wanted

Opel Corsa, 2001 1.7dti. Four New Tyres, New Battery, Itv Till July 2014, Just Serviced, 200.000 Kms. 1595€.

Tel: 676 827 525 Or 950 930 721

2004 Opel Agila diesel choice of two...........................€3250 2004 Renault Clio Petrol 1.2, 5 door............................€2500 2004 Renault Clio Diesel 5 door..................................€3000 2002 Nissan Tino 5 door automatic, Superb quality car............€3000

for sale

wanted uk cars & vans bought for cash Telephone 667 235 205

Do you have a caravan, vehicle, boat or motor bike for sale This size advert is only 10€

500€ ONO

Prices plus 160.00 euros transfer All cars will have an ITV and 30 point check over

WANTED: All late model cars with low KMS for our own fleet, we are end user and will always pay top money for right cars.

We urgently want Automatics & 7 Seaters.

Call 667 702 887 Book online at www.costacochesrentacar.biz

Booking details email us at costacoches@hotmail.com or call us on 950 459 208 / 950 069 272 to reserve your rental vehicle

THE ALMERIA AIRPORT SPECIALISTS

Samada Roma 125cc 4T scooter 3 years old, white, Spanish registered, one owner from new, excellent condition, recently serviced with full service history!

Telephone Kevin 610 926 833.

call paulette on 950 121 936

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

viewpoint

The Quicksand of Language forsooth or verily, couples don’t plight their troth any more, although solicitors are still encouraging us to bequeath and bequest our worldly goods – or stuff as modern parlance would have it!

Other words have crept in and assumed an unbecoming importance, such as ‘like’. A humble little word, like has been quietly doing its job providing the link between similarities (she looks like her mother), expressing preference (I like carrots better than Brussels sprouts) or an opinion (It looks like rain again today) for so many years.

Now, however, this poor innocent little word has been hijacked by an unfeeling mass, that employs it as slave labour, forcing it to take on the meaning of virtually every other descriptive word or sentence uttered by its erstwhile captors – I was like going to the supermarket when I saw my like boyfriend with my like best friend, it

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

was like so awful like……At this point poor little like expired, done to death by overwork caused by a lack of basic vocabulary.

Take the word intercourse, which is an old-fashioned word for conversation, as any dictionary will tell you. this word caused an Spanish gentleman no embarrassment whatsoever, but covered the lady to whom he was talking with confusion.

It happened at an English/ Spanish integration evening, where each English person sits with a Spaniard, the idea being that for half an hour Spanish is spoken, then for the ensuing half hour English is spoken.

The gentleman in question expressed, in English, the desire for a girlfriend.

His opposite number, a lady of refined taste, covered her surprise at his directness by enquiring if he wanted a girlfriend for companionship. ‘Oh no,’ he replied. ‘For intercourse.’

Ah! How tricky a foreign language can be! And how innocent are those who put their faith in old dictionaries!

The Time to Bite Back When there’s not much else on the box and my lovely wife gets stuck into a book, and relinquishes her death grip on the television remote, I will sometimes tune into the sinisterly named, River Monsters.

For those who haven’t seen the programme, or only have an interest in fish if it is coated in batter and deep fried; it covers the travels of a bloke called Jeremy Wade who refers to himself as an extreme angler. We called them specimen hunters in my day, but I love the title.

It conjures up images of someone prancing around the river bank wearing red satin flares; a bright plaid shirt and a Doctor Who scarf.

Anyway, Jeremy travels all over the globe chasing up stories of people who have had their genitals bitten off by some unseen monster lurking in the depths of the Congo River or some God forsaken tributary of the Amazon. His travels have taken him to such places as Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Mongolia.

He has fished in many countries in Europe and the Americas, as well as Asia and Africa.

All in all not a bad old life.

The programme often ends in disappointment for me because what starts as a hunt for some mythical river monster that the natives believe to be a supernatural fish god, often turns out to be some haddock look-

By Colin Bird :

badbirdnow@gmail.com

alike, just big enough to capsize a small canoe.

When the unfortunate occupant is never seen again, it’s assumed that he has become a fish’s lunch, although the more likely scenario is that having consumed far too much palm wine he simply drowned and drifted off downstream.

But it all brings back memories of my first encounter with that monster of the deep: the barracuda. Barracudas are not what you would call massive fish, but it is their frightening appearance that gives them their fearsome reputation.

So there I was snorkelling around a small islet close to shore in Bermuda, fascinated by a flotilla of squid I was shadowing, when something alarmed them and they shot off in all directions faster than you could say calamares a la Romana. Because there, directly ahead, no more than six feet from me and eyeing me speculatively, was a barracuda. Apart from a gentle undulation of its torpedo like body, it hung motionless in the water and seemed to be weighing up how best to enjoy parts of me as lunch.

And let me tell you, if you have no prior knowledge of this fish, the sight of that open mouth packed with wicked looking teeth with two bulbous eyes locked on to you, is the stuff of nightmares.

It was only later I learned that barracuda are rarely a danger to humans and in fact will often make themselves scarce when approached by divers. They are opportunist predators, preying entirely on other fish, particularly those that are sickly or in trouble.

But in my ignorance and extreme haste to leave the vicinity that day, I became only the second man ever

to walk on water.

Then years later we found ourselves in the beautiful Virgin Islands where the snorkelling is spectacular and the undersea life a kaleidoscope of colour and beauty. My lovely bikini clad wife was floating on her back, sunning herself in shallow water a few yards from me and I had just surfaced to clear my face mask, when she let out a scream of pain and shot out of the water clutching her leg. In my haste to get to her I made the mistake of standing up and trying to splash my way across the coral where I had been snorkelling, cutting my feet in the process.

When I finally reached her, it was obvious that she had been bitten because there was a clear elliptical impression on her thigh of a dozen or so teeth puncture marks.

A kindly local who had witnessed the whole episode from his ramshackle house on the beach, brought over a first aid kit and whilst sterilising the bleeding wound, sagely declared that it was a barracuda bite.

“But I thought that barracuda never attack people”, I told him.

‘They do when they think you are something else’, he proclaimed, and pointed to my wife’s diamond ring. The fish had seen the twinkling of the jewellery and thinking that it was a potential snack, attacked before realising its mistake and beat a hasty retreat.

Back in England some time later, we were surveying the menu in a pleasant country pub, when an item caught my eye: Barracuda steak with a green pepper sauce.

There was no hesitation and as I ordered my lunch, I muttered absently to the startled waiter: “It’s payback time you son-ofa-bitch!”

alqueria

Alquerian Sporting Legends

The chances of Alqueria ever staging the Olympic Games are somewhat remote but that does not rule out the existence of sporting greats in the Pueblo.

We only have to cast our minds back to 1954 when Bannister broke the four minute mile.

Alqueria’s very own Pedro Piernaslargas managed it in twelve minutes and fifty seconds. He argued that taking into account the time he stopped for a fag and a beer meant he actually ran the race in three minutes ten seconds. The International Athletes Committee weren’t impressed however and told him to stop being silly.

Manuela has long been regarded as the most sporting girl in Alqueria. Her fame spreading to the four corners of the Iberian peninsular. Unfortunately the International Olympic Committee have not had the imagination to sanction her particular area of expertise.

Ernesto Muyinestable who amazes audiences with his hard stamping and emotional flamenco attended the Olympic Triple Jump trials. The organisers pointed out, rather harshly Ernesto thought that the sport should be left to those who have a full complement of limbs. Ernesto having lost a leg in the Great Halibut Conflagration of ninety-seven. Alonso Plucketo on the other hand would John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

Language is a dangerous thing, and foreign language is especially dangerous. It is a seductive minefield, full of traps for the unwary, and pitfalls for those who boldly go where their knowledge has never been before.

It is bad enough in our own language, where over time the meanings of words change completely; for instance, wicked, cool or gay are all words which had a clearly understood meaning until they were morphed into something entirely different by a younger generation.

I suppose this is a natural progression, normal in a living language, and has been going on through the ages ever since Man uttered his first monosyllable. Not many people these days use

35

excel in the Three Legged Race if such a race were an international event. He could participate individually since sprouting an extra leg after taking an afternoon swim in the polluted Río Verde.

Fringe events are also well represented in Alqueria.

Long distance spitting, a traditional and popular pastime has many devotees in the Village. On a peaceful Summer’s evening plastic raincoated men can be seen spitting with a precision and range that would gladden the heart of any artillery officer worth his salt. These events take place after dinner, spitting being a natural reaction to the consumption of Alquerian cuisine.

Loco Paco was not to be left out of the Alquerian sporting hall of fame. He is certain that Benjy, his pet Saharan Dung Beetle could beat all comers. As soon as he can find a jockey small enough for Bengy he intends to put him through his paces. Anton Limpwrist, a window dresser originally from Lubrín trained for the Handball Team. He lost interest however when he discovered it was a team event. Another possible would be ‘Speedy Gonzalos’ Alvarado. He was given his epithet by Manuela for reasons it would be better to draw a veil over for the time being.

Alqueria may not produce the greatest sporting legends but there are none more lethargic and indifferent than those from the Pueblo.

advance moves

Leading Removal Company reports on strengthening housing market One of Spain’s top removal companies has reported that they experienced a resurgence in the Spanish housing market during 2013 and it looks like 2014 will be an even busier year. Mat Ford-Dunn, the Managing Director of ‘Advance Moves International Removals’ pointed to the fact that many property values in Spain have now fallen to a much more realistic level and this has definitely resulted in increased house sales. This has been noticed in all regions of Spain as Advance Moves operate their relocation services throughout the mainland.

Advance Moves has its main warehouse in Murcia, Spain, with an additional warehouse in Kent in the UK and has had to purchase 5 new vans and trucks to cope with the increased demand over the past year.

The UK housing market is also in a state of recovery and increased house sales have resulted in more people selling up and looking to buy in Spain. There are many factors that

tempt expats to Spain, not least the recent periods of turbulent weather, which many parts of the UK have suffered.

On the flip side, for economic reasons many British Expats are now able to sell properties in Spain and Advance Moves are often the first choice when it comes to repatriating them back to the UK. Mat was also keen to point out that the increase in demand for their removal services was also down to the level of service and expertise that Advance moves offer to their clients and the fact that many clients had already seen the brightly liveried vehicles on the roads undertaking their removal services.

Advance moves is also a member of the British Association of Removers and one of only a few companies that export wrap furniture to provide extra protection for international removals.

‘Our clients know that they are getting a more competitively priced, premium removal service, when compared to the rest of the market. The increased volume of removals enables Advance Moves to offer their clients a more regular and flexible timetable for their individual removal requirements’ Mat sees the trend continuing throughout 2014 with the housing market in the UK and Spain continuing to make steady process.

Advance Moves are gearing up for another busy year.

36

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

animal funnies

animal corner

Dogs: Man’s Best... Compass?

We’re not talking about falling in love, though.

Rather, new research indicates that, like many other animals, dogs are sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic field. However, instead of using it to navigate like many insects and birds do, it appears that dogs have a preference for aligning themselves to the Earth’s magnetic axis when they are doing their business — specifically, when it’s time to poop.

At least that’s the conclusion researchers came to at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, after studying 70 dogs from 37 different breeds over the course of two years. They had already determined that water fowl use the Earth’s magnetic field to guide them to safe landings in windless conditions, and some other mammals, such as mole rats and bats, are also apparently capable of magnetoception, or the ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field.

While it is also suspected that cows align themselves along a north-south axis when grazing or resting, evidence for this is still anecdotal. A study by a different group of scientists in the Czech Republic determined that cattle do not align along magnetic field lines by analyzing Google satellite images of 232 European herds.

The Czech University study reached a completely different conclusion, finding that dogs “preferred to excrete with the body being aligned along the North– South axis under calm (magnetic field) conditions.”

When conditions were not calm, this preference for alignment disappeared.

Whether or not dogs are actually lining up to the magnetic field, scientists still have no idea how they, or any other mammals, would do it, since no sense organ capable of detecting magnetism has yet been found in these species. Humans (and presumably dogs and cattle) do have a protein that is sensitive to magnetism in bones in their sinuses, but whether this translates into the ability to sense magnetism is still undetermined.

So what about your dogs? Do they show a preference for lining up in a certain direction to poop or does it seem random? You can check for yourself.

Just remember that magnetic north is not the same thing as north on a map, and varies depending on where in the world you are. If you want to figure out where magnetic north is relative to your position, you can use this magnetic field calculator from the National Oceanic and Atmosph Source & Image: http://www.cesarsway.com

IMAGE :www.cesarsway.com

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IN THE YELLOW CONTAINER

Only plastic containers, cans, and cartons Your Town

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Remember all plastic containers, cans, and cartons we use can be recycled when deposited in the yellow container. If mixed with other wastes we spoil everyone’s efforts.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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Porsche board members face 1.8bn euros lawsuit

Porsche’s chairman Wolfgang Porsche and board member Ferdinand Piech are being sued by seven hedge funds over its failed takeover bid for Volkswagen. They are seeking 1.8bn euros ($2.4bn; £1.5bn) in compensation. Porsche has been accused of misleading markets in the runup to its takeover bid for VW in 2008.

Porsche initially dismissed speculation it was seeking to takeover VW, but later revealed that it owned or had positions on almost 74% of VW shares.

Some investors had bet against Volkswagen shares, expecting them to fall in the absence on any firm takeover bid from Porsche.

However, Porsche’s disclosure of an increased holding triggered an unprecedented stock market squeeze on VW shares as investors rushed to buy them to cover their short positions.

Porsche, which has earlier faced similar cases, has denied any wrongdoing.

“Porsche SE and its supervisory board

members will defend themselves with all available legal means,” the carmaker said.

Dramatic takeover Porsche’s attempt to take over Volkswagen eventually failed as it fell short of acquiring the required 75% stake.

The global financial crisis and the slump in the automotive sector made it difficult for the carmaker to raise enough money to buy the remaining stake. Nevertheless, it accumulated large amounts of debt in the process and was sued by investors who accused it of misleading them. In a dramatic turnaround of events, the firms agreed a deal in 2009 under which Volkswagen agreed to take over Porsche Volkswagen acquired a 49.9% stake in Porsche in 2009.

In 2012, the firms agreed another deal, under which Volkswagen bought the remaining 50.1% stake in Porsche for 4.46bn euros plus one VW common share.

Read more on bbc.co.uk

37

First Porsche revealed to be an electric car from 1898 Luxury automaker Porsche has revealed the first car designed by its founder was electric, in a show at its museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany. Ferdinand Porsche’s design was dubbed the Egger-Lohner electric vehicle C.2 Phaeton model, or the P1 for short. The car, made in 1898, was recently unearthed in an Austrian garage, where it had been stored since 1902. The 22-year-old Ferdinand Porsche, who would start Porsche in 1931, designed the P1 for carmaker Jacob Lohner.

After a trip to the US, Ludwig Lohner, the owner of that firm, became convinced that the age of the horse and carriage was ending, and he asked Ferdinand Porsche to come up with an electric drive train. The first Porsche featured a rear-mounted electrical engine which could reach speeds of 21 miles per hour. Ferdinand Porsche designed an “octagonal electric motor” that was powered by electric batteries and suspended amidst shock absorbers in the rear of the vehicle.

Using a complicated series of gears, the car was driven using a 12-speed controller, which had six forward gears, two reverse gears and four gears with which to brake the car. The P1 took to the streets of Vienna, Austria, on 26 June 1898. The P1 could reach speeds of up to 21mph (34km/h) and travel up to 49 miles on a single charge. The car could be styled as an open-air chassis or a coupe The first Porsche was the most energy-efficient car in an 1899 Berlin road race and the young Mr Porsche eventually entered the P1 in a Berlin road race, which took place on 28 September 1899. Competitors had to travel a total of 24 miles with four passengers (including the driver).

The P1 beat out the other competitors handily, crossing the finish line a full 18 minutes before the next car.

In a detail that seems almost too good to be true, the P1 won another accolade: least amount of energy consumed.

The car is on display as part of an exhibition at the Porsche museum in StuttgartZuffenhausen, Germany.

Read more on bbc.co.uk

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Pit Stop part 2

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* Six Nations rugby continues this weekend with Ireland v. Wales and England v. Scotland on Saturday and France v. Italy on Sunday * The pick of the Premiership games are Liverpool v. Arsenal, Chelsea v. Newcastle, Norwich v. Manchester City, the Welsh derby between Swansea and Cardiff, Manchester United v.

Fulham, Crystal Palace v. WBA and Spurs v. Everton. * In the Championship, leaders by ten points Leicester play Watford, FL1 table-toppers Brentford host Crawley and the top two, Chesterfield and Scunthorpe, meet in FL2. * Last weekend Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0; Stoke defeated Manchester United for the first time in 30 years, winning 2-1; Everton took out Aston Villa 2-1; WBA held Liverpool 1-1, Arsenal clipped Crystal Palace 2-0, Fulham lost 3-0 to Southampton, West Ham beat Swansea 2-0, Hull drew 1-1 with Spurs and Craig Bellamy became the first player to score for seven different PL clubs by netting in Cardiff’s 2-1 win over Norwich. Manchester City met Chelsea on Monday. * Aberdeen beat St Johnstone 4-0 and Inverness CT, who had equalised with nine men, defeated Hibs on penalties in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. * Atletico Madrid are top of Spain’s La Liga after beating Real Sociedad 4-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was sent-off in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Bilbao, Barcelona lost 3-2 at home to Valencia, Almeria were beaten 1-0 in Elche and Malaga defeated Sevilla 3-2. * When the January transfer window closed last Friday, 422 footballers had new clubs. * So far this season, a record £780m has been spent by PL teams, beating the previous best by £90m set in 2008-09. * England were pipped at the post 26-24 by France on the opening day of the Six Nations campaign. Holders Wales beat Italy 23-15 and Ireland whipped Scotland 28-6. * After a disastrous cricket tour in Australia when they won only one of 13 matches, England have dismissed coach Andy Flower. Meanwhile Scotland beat Kenya and will face England’s in the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand. * For the first time since 1986, Great Britain are in the Davis cup quarter-finals after defeating the USA in California. Andy Murray who won both his singles matches. * 88 nations will take part in the 2014 Winter Olympics which start in Russia tomorrow. * Four horses trained by Venetia Williams, won last weekend for odds of 549-1. * Seattle Seahawks, ahead after just 11 seconds, dominated Super Bowl XLV111, thrashing Denver Broncos 43-8 in the first ‘final’ played indoors.

R.I.P. - Ex-Aston Villa, Chelsea, Coventry, Liverpool, Rangers, Notts County and Oldham centreforward Tony Hateley died last Saturday, aged 72. He scored 248 goals in 455 appearances in 16-years, 1958-74.

Also Luis Aragones, who coached Spain to Euro 2008 glory, has died aged 75 and former UK 3,000m record holder and 1972 Olympian Andy Holden has passed away, aged 66.

Tony Hateley

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ALBOX, ARBOLEAS, ALFOQUIA ROQUETAS, ALMERIMAR coastal & mojacar areaS EDITOR: editor@soltimes.com

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Luis Aragones Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: Views & opinion in editorial copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. the publisher accepts no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS CLUB

The inaugural playing of the New Year Cup a 36 hole comp, took place with the first round on Friday 24th Jan with the 2nd round due to be played on Mon 27th Jan, however with the gusting high winds making play dangerous on the Monday the round was abandoned half way through, the 2nd round was switched to Friday 31st RESULTS Division 1 winner Sandra Siggers 73pts Division 2 winner Dave Simpson 66pts Gross/scratch prize winner Chris Baker 164 Wednesday January 29

– Individual Stableford We were given a break from the high winds and most players made the most of a sunny day 1st Chris Baker 37pts 2nd Chris Mardon 36pts on a card play off 3rd Brian Everitt 36pts Twos: Bill Gibb and Norman Whibley 4th, Brian Everitt, This society will be set Ylva Hamberg and Ian up correctly in accordance Jenner 8th, Chris Baker with the Spanish Federation 17th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon, Wed and Friday For information contact 634641199

CABRERA BOWLING

Badgers Golf Society Wednesday 29th, Badgers visited Macenas for their weekly competition. Good golfing conditions prevailed and some decent scores where expected.

Winner of the day’s competition was Colin Parker with his second win within a week with 38pts, 2nd place was Dave Wright with 36ps and 3rd place was Julian Butterworth with 35pts. Dave Wright took 2 of the nearest the pins with Greg Knight and Phil Fellows taking the other 2. There was only 2 two’s on the day, these by Greg Knight and Brian Watts Saturday’s stableford competition was won by Lynn Sefton with 39pts, from Dave Crothers in second with 33pts and third place going to Jan Page with

32pts after a count back Members are reminded that the yearly membership is now due.

Badgers Golf Society also plays every Saturday at Macenas for their weekly roll-up. Please book in at Badgers.Forth coming fixtures are :-) Wed 5th Feb Valle de Este, Wed 12th Feb Macenas, Wed 19th Desert Springs, Wed 26th Macenas, Thurs 6th March Aguillon.

Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525 / 6860388259.

Fixtures can be found on www.badgersmojacar.com

Mens Club Championship Competition 2014 Trevor Young and Denis Stoyles were the eventual finalists of the Mens Club Championship. Monday 27th January saw both gentlemen give the spectators a very entertaining final. Trevor led all the way through but Denis kept him in his sight and on what was to be the last end Trevor was in the lead at 20 needing only 1 to win but Denis was on 19 and holding 2. With his last bowl Trevor bowled a superb bowl that slowly with perfect weight took the jack and won him the match. Thank you to both bowlers for a very exciting match. Well bowled both of you and congratulations to Trevor the 2014 Mens Club Champion.

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WANT TO PLAY REGULAR GOLF? Then read on:Welcome to the 50+ Golf Society. A newly formed friendly Golf Society for all golfers who enjoy playing the game on a regular basis. Valle del Este being our home course, the Society will play weekly on Mondays & Thursdays and monthly on one of the other 4 courses; Marina, Cortijo Grande, Aguilon & Macenas plus Alboran, La Envia & Desert Springs a bit further away but still without the need to travel on a coach for hours. We aim to have different types of organised golf days, including Stableford and Individual Medal, Matchplay, Winter League & Pairs competitions and fun days with Texas Scrambles, Traffic Lights and Bingo,Bango,Bongo plus some social events throughout the year.

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rules and handicaps will also be regulated in accordance with the same Federation and updated after all qualifying events and sent to you by email together with the game results.

Our subscription will be 15€ per year just to cover phone calls, paper, printing, etc.. We aim to negotiate the lowest cost for each game at the various courses and a contribution to the day’s prize fund, which will be returned as prizes to the amount of that day’s fund.

Events need to be paid for in advance but if it becomes necessary to cancel for any reason a full refund will be given provided that you inform us at least an hour before the first group tee off.

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39

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Olympic organisers said they will act after being asked to make changes to the slopestyle course in Sochi. A number of competitors demanded a meeting with officials after training at the Rosa Khutor “Extreme Park” for the first time on Monday.

Norwegian medal prospect Torstein Horgmo, 26, crashed and broke his collarbone during the session. Snowboard slopestyle qualification begins on Thursday ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony.

Slopestylers raised concerns about the proximity of the rails at the beginning of the course and want the height of three jumps lowered. Horgmo, who was taken to hospital with his neck in a brace following his accident on the rails, has now been ruled out of the Games. British snowboarder Billy Morgan is among those calling for changes. “It’s been a bit scary getting used to hitting the jumps,” he told BBC Sport. “The jumps weren’t raked properly, which hopefully they can sort tomorrow so they are smoother and not as intense to land.” Finnish snowboarder Roope Tonteri echoed Morgan’s concerns, arguing the course was “not really safe” because of the size of the jumps, while Britain’s Jenny Jones said a number of competitors were far from happy.

“People are a little bit concerned about the speed,” said the 33-year-old, who has won three X Games gold medals during her career. “I think the take-off isn’t ideal from

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the jump, so that needs adjusting.

We have voiced our opinions and everyone’s in agreement with what needs to be tweaked.”

International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) technical delegate Bill van Gilder told BBC Sport that there would be action. “It’s a common process that the athletes come to a venue and have concerns after the first day of training,” he said. “Today’s features were super-good, they just need a few tweaks to make them even better and the feeling I have is that everyone’s ‘stoked’ with the course.”

Slopestyle is appearing at an Olympic Games for the first time. The course design, which was made public last August, was put together with help from officials who worked on the X Games. Warm weather in Sochi is believed to have stopped some heavy machinery used to maintain the slopes from being used on the course. It is hoped cooler conditions will allow more work to take place, with officials planning to reduce the three jumps by a total of six feet (1.82m). read more on bbcnews.com

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Interest Rates To Remain Low – Bank of England

By John McCann, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

Could UK interest rates rise this year?

There has been speculation about the possibility since unemployment figures fell faster than expected. However the Bank of England responded by saying that rates will remain “well below historic norms” in the medium term.

In August, the Bank of England (BoE) announced that it would not consider raising interest rates until the rate of unemployment fell to 7%, expected to be in 2016.

Unemployment has since fallen faster than expected, hitting 7.1% at the end of the November (data released on 22nd January). This caused the media to speculate that we could see a rate rise in the near future.

However, other economists dismissed talk of an imminent rise as it would be too harmful to the economic recovery.

means rates are likely to remain “well below historic norms” in the medium term, even as the economy recovers.

He promised business leaders that the degree of stimulus would remain “exceptional for some time”, and that the path of interest rates would be consistent with a sustained recovery.

He also implied that the Bank will drop the simple link between interest rates and unemployment, and focus on a broader range of economic indicators.

The minutes of the Bank’s latest meeting, released on 22nd January, also clearly stated: “Members therefore saw no immediate need to raise Bank Rate even if the 7% unemployment threshold were to be reached in the near future… When the time did come to raise Bank Rate, it would be appropriate to do so only gradually.”

Boe Governor, Mark Carney, quickly stepped in to reassure businesses there would be no immediate rise.

A rate rise would come not a moment too soon for savers who have lost billions since the rate was cut to its historic low, as a result of inflation being higher than interest rates.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 24th January, he said there is still some way to go to recover from the financial crisis. This

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